Radiation Therapy is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with high energy X-rays. X-rays or ionising radiation, damages the DNA within the cell, and causes the cell to die. Normal cells are also affected by radiation, but, unlike cancer cells, they have the ability to repair. Because of this it is important that treatment is delivered very precisely, giving a high dose of radiation to the tumour and minimising dose to normal tissue.
There are two main types of Radiation Therapy: External Beam Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy.
External Beam Radiotherapy – The most frequent type of radiotherapy in which the radiation is produced by a linear accelerator (treatment machine)
Brachytherapy – Radioactive implants are placed in direct contact or near to the tumour, which allows the dose to be concentrated in a small area
The Radiation Therapist (RT) is involved in all aspects of a patient’s journey through their radiation therapy.
Provides guidance and support to the patient and their carers through the process of radiotherapy
Looks after patient positioning and stabilisation
Is responsible for the use of simulators and/or CT scanners to delineate areas that need to be treated and those that need to be avoided
Is responsible for the planning and dosimetry of a patient’s treatment
Designs and manufactures auxiliary equipment
Administers the radiation treatment
Because they work so closely with patients and other health professionals, radiation therapists need compassion, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be a team player. They also need to have scientific skills and knowledge.
Currently in Victoria there are 2 ways of becoming a Radiation Therapist:
RMIT –Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations – Radiation Therapy)
3 year full-time, didactic and clinical portions
Followed by a 1 year internship
Entry Requirements:
Year 12 or equivalent
Pre-requisite subjects of English, Physics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics and Chemistry or Biology
Monash University – Master of Radiation Therapy (Post Graduate Program)
2 years total
1 year off campus academic
57 weeks of clinical placement
Entry Requirements:
Graduate of an undergrad degree in either science or biomedical science (applicants holding degrees in other related fields will be assessed individually)
Please note: These requirements can change, please see the university website for current information
During your tertiary course, you must gain clinical experience and obtain a placement with a university-appointed institute like Peter Mac.
At Peter Mac, we support students every step of the way.
We offer:
Top facilities
Some of the world's best technology
A great library
Terrific mentors
Opportunities to work on research projects
Great hands-on experience
All the fun of working with a fantastic team!
Peter Mac knows how important it is to help people who want to help others. That's why a professional development year spent with us is so great!
We offer:
A fully subsidised placement
A 12 month program
The chance to experience lots of different situations
Access to specialties including stereotactic, Brachytherapy and total body irradiation
Opportunities to work in a range of areas.
If you would like to read a transcript of the audio interviews featured,
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Is it safe for me to be around the radiation? Yes. Radiation protection is taken very seriously at Peter Mac and the building is designed so that there is a negligible amount of radiation that therapists are exposed to. As part of government requirements, all radiation therapists wear thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) which measure any radiation that we may be exposed to. TLDs are read and replaced every 3 months to ensure that therapists are safe.
Is it depressing working with sick patients? It can sometimes be challenging dealing with patients during a difficult time, but very rewarding to know that you’re making a difference in their lives. Throughout the course of treatment, you can really get to know a patient and many patients display such a positive attitude that you really look forward to seeing them each day.
What opportunities are there for me as a radiation therapist? As a radiation therapist at Peter Mac there are plenty of opportunities for career advancement. Being Australia’s largest provider of Radiation Therapy Services we have access to some of the most advanced equipment in the world. This provides us with opportunities for research, education, specialisation and advanced practice.
What is the job market like? While many of our graduates stay on with us here at Peter Mac, with the high standard of qualifications obtained, many of our graduates are highly marketable and have worked at some of the top cancer centres throughout the world.
Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne VIC
3002
Ph: (03) 9656 1111, Fax (03) 9656 1490 (Melway Refrence Map 2G:A2)
