Radiation Therapy
The aim of Radiation Therapy is to deliver a precisely measured dose of radiation to a defined tumour volume. Radiation Therapists locate tumours and determine sensitive areas surrounding these tumours; plan and deliver radiation treatment; assure quality of equipment and provide ongoing clinical assessment, education and support to the patient.

On any given day, a Radiation Therapist professional may be responsible for:

• initial treatment planning employing specialized x-ray equipment (simulator) or CT scanner;
• computer modelling and analysis of radiation dose distributions/dose calculation (dosimetry);
• radiation treatment delivery using linear accelerators, Cobalt60 teletherapy units, sealed and unsealed radioactive sources;
• clinical and psychosocial assessment of patients under their care;
• education to patients and their families;
• quality assurance of radiation therapy equipment;
• construction of specialized treatment accessory devices (including immobilization devices, critical structure shielding, dose compensators, bolus).

What Are Students Saying About Radiation Therapy?

"What I like most about the Radiation Therapy programme is the hands-on training and being taught by oncologists and radiation therapists."

"I wanted, for the longest time, to be in a profession in the medical field but really was not aware of Radiation Therapy. As I researched this field I found that it is a way to involve myself in something highly technical while simultaneously keeping close contact with cancer patients and establishing rapport. I feel that I will be helping to cure some cancer patients and bettering the quality of life of others. Radiation Therapy will also allow me to educate, listen to, and care for patients and their families on an ongoing basis."

Looking to the Future
As of October 2002 there are 37 radiation therapy treatment centres across Canada, employing 1,050 full-time Radiation Therapists. Currently only nine (9) of these centres are fully staffed, so Radiation Therapists are, and will continue to be, in great demand. Opportunities also exist for working abroad.

Radiation therapy is a constantly and rapidly evolving discipline, driven by changes in knowledge, technique, technology and software. Research is a priority. Some examples of emerging techniques include:

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• PET/CT Fusion Imaging (functional/structural planning)
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery

A commitment to lifelong learning is essential for any health professional. In the field of radiation therapy, continuing education courses may be provided, for example, by The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Areas of advancement in the profession include dosimetry, education, research and administration.

UNB Saint John offers the Radiation Therapy stream in partnership with the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation.