Today’s Healthcare Careers: Radiate in a Career of Caring/ Fall 2006
Today’The National Cancer Institute of Canada estimate there will be 153,100 new cases of cancer in 2006. Half of all cancer patients will require radiation treatments. Radiation Therapists help thousands of individuals by administering and monitoring ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and to keep them from multiplying.
A career in Radiation Therapy will expose you to both therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. There are two types of radiation treatment- external beam and brachytherapy. With external beam, radiation is directed at the tumor from a radiation source outside of the body such as a linear accelerator. These treatments are usually done on an outpatient basis. Brachytherapy requires a radiation implant directly in the tumor. Part of a therapist professional duty is to provide emotional support and counseling, explain procedures, answer questions, position patients and equipment. Often a special relation between the patient, family members and therapist develop over the course of the treatments.
What type of person is best suited for this profession? Angela Cashell is the Clinical Educator, Radiation Therapy at the Princess Margaret Hospital and Instructor, Department of Radiation Oncology at theUniversity of Toronto. “Of course they have to like people! A course of radiation can last up to seven weeks and during that time you have the opportunity to get to know the patients and help them through part of their cancer journey. They will need to be compassionate, be caring, have patience and be a team player as they will never work alone, but always as part of a large multidisciplinary team. There is also a very technical side to the profession, so being comfortable with the sciences and physics in particular would be an asset. I think the ongoing rapport you can develop with your patients is the major benefit of the profession.” says Cashell.
The Michener Institute for Applied Health Science is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and provides state- of- the- art technology and equipment for students to use. It is proud to partner with both The University of Toronto and Laurentian University. The Michener/University of Toronto offer a three year degree program. Because it requires second year entry, you must have at least one year of University credits in Biology, Mathematics and Physics. The Michener/Laurentian University offer a direct – entry four- year B.Sc. program. The curriculums will expose students to treatment planning, simulation, dose distribution, construction of immobilization devices, treatment delivery and clinical behavioral sciences.
Clinical partners likePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre participate in clinical placement for Michener students. Mandatory clinical time give students hands on practice with simulators and advanced computer systems. The opportunity to network with potential employers and experience different work environments can expand their professional career.
If you’re considering a career in radiation therapy, you might be wondering if working with radiation is safe. The sun, the earth and all living things emit radiation. It is an ever-present and natural part of our environment. In fact about 82 percent of our total exposure comes from natural sources – radon gas from decaying soils, the human body, rocks and outer space. The remaining 18 percent account for man-made sources from medical/dental X-rays and consumer products. Because man- made radiation can be controlled and precisely measured, radiation has improved our quality of life. “All hospitals and clinics are required to have strict Radiation Safety practices and Policies in place to ensure staff and patient safety. This is monitored at the national government level. Radiation Therapists are continually monitored to determine if they are receiving any radiation dose from their work environment.” Cashell says. “Also equipment has to undergo rigorous testing when it is installed. In general, daily testing is done on safety items, as well as radiation beam alignment and accuracy, in both the treatment planning and delivery areas.”
Michener graduates can find career opportunities across North America. Government and other agencies employ professionals to regulate their radiation safety practices. Cancer centers need frontline therapists to care for patients. You may want to consider performing research studies, advancing into management or administration. What about becoming a clinical educator for the next generation of therapists? Commercial companies also need specialized technicians who can sell and service radiation oncology equipment. No matter what you choose, when you enroll in medical radiation science you will become a key member of a cancer treatment team. Cashell points out “Having both a technical and soft side to the profession appeals to many individuals. The pay and work hours are pretty good too!”
