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Radiation Therapists plan and administer radiation therapy, using high energy x-rays directed accurately in the treatment of cancer.
''The majority of our patients have cancer but many of them are not terminally ill. There are some other patients who may, for example, have a malformation of the arteries in the brain, or a heel spur that is not responding to other forms of treatment,'' says Karen.
Leaving Nothing To Chance
Radiation Therapists generally work in teams and design and administer patient treatment plans in conjunction with Radiation Oncologists. To ensure that the best possible plan is devised, information flows between the Therapist and the Oncologist several times before the therapy starts.
Karen says once a Radiation Oncologist has determined that a person requires radiation therapy, patients undergo a non-diagnostic x-ray, a procedure that is carried out by Radiation Therapists.
''It's not a diagnostic x-ray. We already know that the patient has cancer or a disease that requires radiation therapy, so this x-ray simply provides an image of the area that we'll be treating relevant to the patient's treatment position. It helps us to accurately direct the radiation to the right area.''
When a patient requires radiation therapy to a specific part of their body, Radiation Therapists will determine what equipment will be needed during treatment. For example, if the head area is being treated, a mask that keeps the head stationary during treatment must be made. If parts of the body need protection during treatment, shielding equipment may also be made.
At this stage of the planning process, some patients require a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This 3D set of images allows Radiation Therapists to customise the radiation treatment plan for each patient. The CT scan also assists them in designing a plan that spares areas of the body that don't require treatment.
These findings are forwarded to Radiation Oncologist.
Radiation Oncologists examine the x-ray or CT scan; marking out the area they want to treat with radiation therapy and prescribing patient treatment. Oncologists decide how many treatments are needed and what level of dosage should be administered.
One More Step Before Therapy Begins
After close examination of the patient's file, all x-rays and the Oncologist's prescription, a team of Radiation Therapists devise the treatment plan. This includes double checking the Oncologist's prescribed dosage and number of treatments, scheduling treatment and deciding on the angle of radiation delivery during treatment.
Time To Get Underway
Once the plan is approved by a Radiation Oncologist, it's time for Radiation Therapists to get the therapy underway.
''When the patient arrives for treatment, they are positioned on an adjustable table under a Linear Accelerator, which emits x-rays. The area of the patient's body to be treated is accurately determined and setup measurements are checked,'' says Karen.
Radiation Therapists monitor patients throughout their therapy; providing reassurance and physical help if needed. Most treatments last about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Skills and Attributes
Radiation patients may experience some side effects such as nausea, skin reactions, fatigue or hair loss. These side effects are usually temporary and can be controlled in most patients. It's important, therefore, that Therapists demonstrate a caring attitude.
Because Radiation Therapists work closely with patients and other medical professionals, good interpersonal skills are an important attribute in this occupation.
Physical strength and stamina are definite pluses in this job because you will be on your feet most of the day and you will be required to help assist patients.
Radiation Therapists find employment in hospitals or in radiation oncology centres and may treat up to 50 patients per day. In addition, Therapists also participate in patient and community education on radiation therapy as well as their personal continuing professional development.
There will, most likely be a healthy demand in the future for Radiation Therapists. This is partly due to the increase in the incidence of some cancers and an ageing population.
There are currently no undergraduate degrees available through the universities in Western Australia. There is however, a postgraduate course that has the support of Radiation Therapy facilities in Western Australia.
The postgraduate Master of Radiation Therapy course offered through Monash University in Victoria is now available in Western Australia. It is possible to train Radiation Therapists locally over 2 years to meet the future needs of the profession in Western Australia.
The starting salary for Radiation Therapists in public hospitals is about $54,000 per year and this may increase to $108,000 at the highest supervisory level.
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To become a Radiation Therapist you must either complete an undergraduate Bachelor of Science/Applied Science majoring in medical radiation science (radiation therapy) degree in another State or undertake a postgraduate Master degree course via distant education through Monash University in Victoria. The latter you can undertake in Western Australia, in conjunction with an offer of a clinical placement at either Perth Radiation Oncology or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Students targeted for the Monash course are graduates with a Science or Biomedical Science degree. There is one intake of students per year, with the 2 year course commencing in July.
To find out more information on the postgraduate Master of Radiation Therapy course offered through Monash University and the application process, go to the web site listings below.
There are no undergraduate courses currently available in Western Australia. Relevant courses are offered through the Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University (Victoria), the University of Newcastle (New South Wales), and the University of South Australia.
Entry to these courses usually requires completion of Year 12 with passes in mathematics and physics.
Contact the institution of your choice for further information, or alternatively, view the specific university websites below for more details.
Radiation Therapists may be required to complete a year of clinical practice before receiving full accreditation if undertaking an undergraduate course. On successful completion, graduates are invited to apply for membership to the Australian Institute of Radiography.
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Australian Institute of Radiography
PO Box 1169 Collingwood VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 9419 3336 URL: http://www.air.asn.au
Perth Radiation Oncology Centre
24 Salvado Rd Wembley WA 6014 Ph: (08) 9381 5655 Fax: (08) 9381 4364 URL: http://www.perthradiationoncology.com.au
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Radiation Oncology
Hospital Ave Nedlands WA 6009 Ph: (08) 9346 4918 Fax: (08) 9346 3402 URL: http://www.scgh.health.wa.gov.au/departments/radiation_oncology/index.html
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Many people remain uncertain throughout their working life about what their ideal career might be. But then there are others who are able to make this decision before they have even reached their teens.
''I was able to get a perspective of health care from a very early age as my mother was a physiotherapist and this helped me make my career decision,'' says Royal Perth Hospital Senior Radiation Therapist, Claire Walker.
Claire plans and administers radiation therapy to assist in the treatment of cancer patients, some of whom have small, early stage cancers that are not life threatening, while others have serious, advanced forms of cancer.
''The majority of our workload involves treating physically fit people who are trying to prevent problems from developing later. On the other hand, when you are treating terminally ill patients, you have to remember that you're doing your best to try and help them, even if they're deteriorating. At least we can provide some physical comfort to those people,'' says Claire.
Claire says her job still gives her great satisfaction 22 years after making her career choice.
''It's what I thought it would be. Every job has its ups and downs but this job is challenging and I feel that I'm doing something to help people. So yes, it's very fulfilling.''
Claire cites meeting so many different people and a high level of patient involvement, as other bonuses of her work.
''Sometimes we see people daily for seven weeks. It's very different from working in diagnostic medicine.''
Having progressed to the position of a senior radiation therapist, Claire says aside from treating patients, it's also her role to manage staff and to oversee quality assessment in the workplace. That means that it's up to Claire to ensure that a high standard is maintained in her workplace and that procedures are carried out correctly. It also means doing plenty of paperwork.
If you are veering toward this occupation, Claire stresses that good interpersonal skills are a must. ''You work closely with patients, other radiation therapists and other medical personnel for eight hours or more each day.''
She suggests that physical fitness is also crucial, because radiation therapists are mostly on their feet at work, and they also help lift patients.
But most of all, Claire says this occupation requires a caring, compassionate attitude. ''You need to genuinely care for the people you treat. Without this quality, you won't be able to do the job.''
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