Master of Radiation Therapy

Course code: 3431 + Course abbreviation: MRadTher + Total credit points required: 72 + 6 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Clayton – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, aims to prepare suitably qualified graduates to assume practice as accredited radiation therapists able to work in private and public radiation oncology departments.

Course objectives

On completion of the course, a graduate should be able to: 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of medical ethics, medico-legal principles, professional guidelines and standards for the conduct of radiation therapy, health and safety principles, psychology as relevant to the cancer patient, professional communication and patient management in the context of cancer treatment; 2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the biological consequences of radiation therapy; 3. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts and principles underpinning radiotherapeutic instrumentation including the linear accelerator, optimisation of the radiotherapeutic instrumentation utilised in clinical practice and quality assurance; 4. appreciate the basic principles of digital image processing and its application to modern medical imaging including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and positron emission tomography; 5. demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and understanding of digital image processing principles and 3-D imaging to radiation therapy planning tools and analysis; 6. demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and understanding of gross and cross-sectional anatomy and pathophysiology to the implementation of appropriate planning methods and techniques for the treatment of the major tumour groups eg. Central nervous system, head and neck, breast, lung, pelvis, (gynaecological and urological), gastrointestinal, Lumphoreticular and skin; 7. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the medical basis for the diagnosis of neoplastic disease, the relevant staging systems including pathological staging and the selection of an appropriate treatment regime, modality techniques including beam energy and arrangements beam shapi8ng and modifying techniques; 8. implement and perform appropriate treatment methods including, positioning, stabilisation and localisation techniques for either the treatment of tumours or metastastic disease affecting eg. The central nervous system, head and neck, breast, lung, pelvis (gynaecological and urological) gastrointestinal and lymphoreticular systems and skin; 9. communicate to the professional and lay community an understanding of the wider applications of radiation therapy in the management and treatment of disease; 10. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the application of information technology to the field of radiation therapy; and 11. assume the role of an accredited radiation therapy practitioner and be capable of independent and collaborative clinical decision making.

Course structure

This course commences mid year (semester 2) each year and study is required over summer semester.

The course contains an academic component and professional component. The professional component consists of clinical attachments for a total of 57 weeks (2,280 hours) throughout the course; a requirement in order to be eligible for a ‘Statement of Accreditation’ from the Australian Institute of Radiography. Currently, clinical centres assisting the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences in providing this course are restricted to those located in metropolitan and rural Victoria, Perth and Brisbane.

Year one

Semester 2

RTS4000 Physics and instrumentation 1
RTS4010 Professional practice 1
RTS4021 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 1

Summer Semester

RTS4012 Clinical studies 1
RTS4020 Radiobiology and dosimetry
RTS4022 Clinical studies 2

Semester 1

RTS4023 Professional practice 2
RTS4024 Physics and instrumentation 2
RTS4025 Clinical studies 3

Year two

Semester 2

RTS5000 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 2
RTS5010 Clinical studies 4

Summer Semester

RTS5020 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 3
RTS5022 Clinical studies 5

Semester 1

RTS5024 Evidence based practice in medical radiations
RTS5025 Clinical studies 6

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, theory exams, clinical skills examinations and presentations.

Contact details

School of Biomedical Sciences Office: telephone: +61 3 9905 8635; email: radiation.sciences@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/radiography/postgrad/

Course coordinator

Ms Caroline Wright

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