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Monash University

Master of Medical Radiations (Radiation Therapy)

Course code: 3431 ~ Course abbreviation: MMedRad(RT) ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 6 semesters part-time ~ Managing faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

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

A graduate will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following: anatomical, pathophysiological, psychological, physical and radiobiological principles relating to radiation oncology. Graduates will be able to critically analyse the principles of radiation therapy with respect to the evidence base and reflection on practice. An in depth understanding will be developed in current and future techniques for radiation therapy planning, treatment and patient management (e.g. multi-modality and hybrid imaging, image fusion, 3-D planning and on-line treatment verification, Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IMRT), side effect management and multi-disciplinary team working). Clinical practice is grounded in the study of radiation oncology: the diagnosis and staging of neoplastic disease, a holistic view of cancer management and gross and cross-sectional anatomy. The development of clinical competence in all areas of radiation therapy is facilitated in the study of clinical units which allow students to explore the knowledge they have gained from academic work within the clinical environment. Clinical studies focuses on the implementation of appropriate planning, treatment and patient management methods for the major tumour groups and incorporates medical ethics, medico-legal principles, professional guidelines and holistic patient management. Graduates will assume the role of an independent accredited radiation therapist.

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 59 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, Queensland and Tasmania.

Course requirements

First year

Semester 2
  • MMR4000 Physics and instrumentation 1
  • MMR4010 Professional practice 1
  • RTS4021 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 1
Summer Semester
Semester 1

Second year

Semester 2
  • MMR5010 Clinical studies 4
  • RTS5000 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 2
Summer Semester
  • MMR5022 Clinical studies 5
  • RTS5020 Radiation therapy planning and treatment 3
Semester 1
  • MMR5024 Evidence based practice in medical radiations
  • MMR5025 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 http://www.med.monash.edu.au/radiography/postgrad/

Course coordinator

Ms Caroline Wright