MJRU-MRSRT v.1 Radiation Therapy Major (BSc Medical Radiation Science)

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.

Radiation Therapists play an integral role in the treatment, care and management of patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment, primarily in treating a range of cancer types. Graduates must balance a genuine interest in patients and their welfare with the technical requirements necessary to undertake Radiation Therapy procedures. Radiation Therapy increasingly incorporates high end imaging technologies as integral requirements of patient treatment.

Career Opportunities

Medical Radiation professionals are usually employed in clinical sites including large teaching hospitals, private and country hospitals, and private clinics (metropolitan and rural). Graduates will normally initially practise in more general areas of practice but can progress to more specialised areas of practice with experience, or when opportunities become available within the workplace. Graduates may also pursue more technical careers in medical physics or biophysics, radiation health, or with equipment manufacturers, for example. Career development can also lead to managerial positions. There is also the opportunity to pursue further education including research degrees. Graduates from Curtin have over the years been highly regarded and employment opportunities are readily available in metropolitan, rural and regional areas. There is a strong industry demand, and you will be qualified (once accreditation is gained) to work anywhere in Australia, and in many locations internationally.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may be required to pay for additional expenses whilst on fieldwork/clinical placements.

There are two streams in the fourth year of the Radiation Therapy Major. The majority of students will undertake the Radiation Therapy Fourth Year Stream. Students who have achieved a high standard of work while undertaking the Radiation Therapy Major may be invited to undertake the Radiation Therapy Honours Stream.

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply discipline knowledge to undertake radiation therapy procedures in a safe and effective manner; develop clinical practices using evidence-based research

2. think critically and reflectively about factors for safe and effective patient outcome delivery including clinical information, physical parameters, and patient, equipment and environmental conditions

3. apply an inquiring approach to the management of patients and the assessment of radiation therapy procedure requirements and outcomes through identification, access, evaluation and synthesis of information from credible sources

4. communicate effectively and appropriately with different workplace, healthcare and patient groups, taking into account age, health condition and socio-cultural background

5. use equipment/instrumentation knowledge and available clinical information to assess the radiation therapy procedure required to appropriately address the clinical challenge/question, recognising the advantages and limitations of available equipment/instrumentation to provide a safe and effective patient outcome

6. assess and critically evaluate information independently to remain informed and advance practice

7. demonstrate cognisance of current international standards and practices within the profession and apply these clinically

8. manage patient care in a manner that promotes respect for individuals, is socio-culturally sensitive and ethically appropriate

9. work effectively, ethically and cognisant of medico-legal boundaries within the interprofessional healthcare team; take responsibility for own actions.

Duration and Availability

3 years full time study.

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 4