Radiation therapists (aka as radiation technologists in Quebec) play a central role in patient care. They are key members of the cancer treatment team. They prepare and apply radiation treatments prescribed by the radiation oncologist in order to destroy tumors, while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Alternatively, treatment may involve placing radioactive sources directly into the patient's body.
A science and an art…
The aim is to deliver, with absolute accuracy and repeatability, the daily radiation treatment dose to the patient. Depending on the type of cancer, any deviation from the prescribed dose could be detrimental to patients.
In order to practice the profession and hold the title of Radiation Therapist in Quebec, the successful completion of a three-year college program in radiation oncology is required. Membership in the Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale et radio-oncologie du Québec (OTIMRO) is also required in order to practice and use the title of radiation therapist.
According to the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, as part of their professional duty, radiation therapists:
- Explain procedures and comfort patients
- Answer questions as fully as possible
- Position the patient and equipment correctly
- Ensure proper radiation handling and protection techniques are followed
- Administer radiation treatments
- Monitor patients during procedures
- Provide emotional support and contribute to patient education
Following the prescription from a radiation oncologist, the radiation therapist gets involved in planning the various aspects of cancer treatments requiring radiation.
Areas of specialization include:
- C.T. Simulation
- Linear Accelerators
Based in part on Dawson College’s document, "What are the differences"?, Service Canada and the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
Mylène Béliveau RTT
Left to right: Cindy Chiassom RTT, Kim Vu RTT, Julie De Cristofaro RTT, Toan Vo RTT (not pictured)
Left to right: Assieh Fazel RTT, Rita Kassatli RTT
Left to right: Remo Adorante RTT, Anabel Gratton RTT, Sana Miled RTT
Left to right: Sophie Beaudoin RTT, Cindy Chiasson RTT, Marie-Francine Toussaint RTT, Yuri Billones RTT
Left to right: Miler Jacinthe RTT, Marie-Claude Beaulieu RTT, Anastasia Beauchemin RTT, Sevelin Stanchev RTT
Left to right: Nancy Berliguette RTT, Marie-Claude Picard RTT
Judith Picard RTT, Ding Li Lui RTT (not pictured)