Radiation Therapy

Michael Eissfeld RT(T) www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleissfeld/

My Career Background

Grass Cutting

Bakers Helper / Pot Washer

Vocational School

Automotive & Recreational Vehicles

College, 6 Years at Night

A.S. Mechanical Engineer

14 years, 5 different jobs

College, 3 years

Radiation Therapy

10 years, 2 Jobs so far

Tips to select YOUR Career

* Critique any of your previous jobs

* What is your working style?

* Do you like mornings, late at night, 7 days a week?

* Think about your school work, sports, helping out around the

house, music.

* Do you like working by yourself? With a partner? As part of

a group?

* How much money $$ do you need to make? Do an honest,

real working budget for what you believe is a living wage. Ask

your folks to help you! Include food, housing, transportation, 2

weeks vacation, charities and fun.

* For any career choice what are the opportunities for

advancement, and what do you need to do to advance?

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy (also radiotherapy or radiation oncology) is the

medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control

malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in

medical imaging and diagnosis). Radiation therapy may be used for curative

or adjuvant cancer treatment (combined with other treatment modalities). It

is used as palliative treatment (where cure is not possible and the aim is for

local disease control or symptomatic relief) or as therapeutic treatment

(where the therapy has survival benefit and it can be curative).

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

For the diagnosis the patient visits a Specialist > A tissue sample

is taken (Biopsy) > The sample is sent to the lab where the Pathologist identifies it as normal or cancerous > The results are reported to the specialist who then refers the patient to the Radiation Oncologist at the cancer center.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

The patient arrives at the cancer center where they meet the Patient

Admissions Service Representative > Patient history is next documented either by the Medical Assistant or Nurse. Vital health statistics, weight, blood pressure are taken at this time to begin baseline values prior to radiation therapy treatment. > The Radiation Oncologist will next do an extensive consult with the patient and their family. A consent to treat will be signed.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

The patient will next be readied for their treatment simulation. This can be performed by a Radiation Therapist or Dosimetrist. In most cancer centers today a dedicated CT scanner is used for this procedure. It differs from a diagnostic CT scanner as it has special features. There are precision 3 axis laser lights for patient alignment and a rigid flat table similar to the one on the radiation therapy machine.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

Any positioning devices such as a mask or vacuum formed bag will be made at this time. > Special radio luminescent markers are placed at an approximate central axis of the problem area and will act as the starting point of the treatment plan. Marks are made on the skin and protected with clear tape to be used for daily positioning of the patient.

After the simulation CT scan those images will be transferred via the hospital PAC’s (picture archival computer) to the treatment planning computer. > Using the computer, the Radiation Oncologist will draw a contour, image by image of the tumor. > Total dose, daily dose and number of treatments will be determined.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

The Dosimetrist will then develop a treatment plan to minimize radiation to nearby healthy tissue and organs, and optimize the dose to the tumor. > The completed plan is approved by the doctor and Medical Physicist and then sent electronically to the linear accelerator. > Daily charges for treatment and other charting will be completed next. > These tasks typically take a few days.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

The first day of treatment

After reviewing the new treatment plan the Radiation Therapist greets the patient and briefly explains the process for the treatment. > The patient is positioned on the table using any positioning aids and in the exact position as they were in during the simulation CT scan. > 3 axis laser lights are used to align the patient to the original CT reference marks.

Referencing the treatment plan the table is moved to accurately target the cancer. > New reference marks are made to the skin or positioning aid documenting the treatment site.

Cancer Diagnosis and

The Radiation Oncology Team

The linear accelerator is auto sequenced to the first treatment position. There can be as few as one, and as many as nine different directions the radiation will be aimed from. X-ray images are taken to verify the correct position and area.

After affirmation of correct position, and if all machine parameters are met, the treatment can begin. It is as easy as pushing a button to start the radiation treatment.

College Curriculum

28RDTH141

Basic Elements of Radiation Therapy Technology I

Provides an overview of radiation therapy and its role in medicine.

Included is an orientation to departmental structure, the profession as a

whole, fundamentals of technique, professional ethics, and medical

terms in common usage. Includes a two hour/week clinical rotation.

BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00

28RDTH142

Basic Elements of Radiation Therapy Technology II

Provides an overview of radiation therapy and its role in medicine.

Included is an orientation to departmental structure, the profession as a

whole, fundamentals of technique, professional ethics, and medical

terms in common usage. Includes a two hour/week clinical rotation.

BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00

28RDTH201

Clinical Oncology I

Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of

techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific

malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00

28RDTH202

Clinical Oncology II

Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of

techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific

malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00

28RDTH203

Clinical Oncology III

Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of

techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific

malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00

28RDTH205

Radiation Therapy Physics I

Study of the physical properties of ionizing radiation, their production,

interactions, and specifications in terms of quality and quantity.

Emphasis is placed on the parameterization of the energy deposition

within the patients. BoK: NS., QR. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00

28RDTH206

Radiation Therapy Physics II

Study of the physical properties of ionizing radiation, their production,

interactions, and specifications in terms of quality and quantity.

Emphasis is placed on the parameterization of the energy deposition

within the patients. BoK: NS., QR. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00

28RDTH211

Simulation Lab I

Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up

principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit

Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00

28RDTH212

Simulation Lab II

Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up

principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit

Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00

28RDTH213

Simulation Lab III

Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up

principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit

Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00

College Curriculum

28RDTH221

Clinical Practicum I

Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy

departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and

affiliated hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00

28RDTH222

Clinical Practicum II

Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy

departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated

hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00

28RDTH223

Clinical Practicum III

Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy

departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated

hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00

28RDTH224

Clinical Practicum IV

Advanced practical application of radiation therapy technology at the

University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. BoK:

NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00

28RDTH225

Clinical Practicum V

Advanced practical application of radiation therapy technology at

University Hospital and affiliate institutions. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U.

Credit Hrs: 3.00

28RDTH243

Radiation Biology

Instructs the student on the biologic effects of ionizing radiation on living

tissue. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00

28RDTH272

Radiation Protection

Study of radiation exposure and dose, protection regulations, and

monitoring techniques. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00

28RDTH278

Patient Care in Radiation Therapy

Instructs the student in nursing procedures pertinent to the care of the

28RDTH278

Patient Care in Radiation Therapy

cancer patient. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00

28RDTH281

Radiation Physics and Treatment Planning I

Study of the energy deposition patterns in actual patient procedures

with emphasis on the resulting consequences. BoK: NS., QR. Credit

Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00

28RDTH282

Radiation Physics and Treatment Planning II

Study of the energy deposition patterns in actual patient procedures

with emphasis on the resulting consequences. BoK: NS., QR. Credit

Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00

28RDTH291

Radiation Therapy Review

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the key

concepts of each of the technical courses. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U.

Credit Hrs: 1.00

Radiation Therapy as Your Career

Positive aspects of the job

• Doing something that directly helps the people you see every day

• The genuine appreciation that is expressed to you for the job you do by

both the patients and their families

• Most people would not believe the amount of fun we have everyday

with the cancer patients

• Mentally stimulating and challenging

• The problem solving required can have very technical aspects

• Every day is casual day

• Generally a five-day-a-week 8 to 5 position. No weekends or shifts

• Currently this is a job that pays a living wage that would allow you to

own a home, a reasonably new car and take a great two + week

vacation every year.

Radiation Therapy as Your Career

Negative aspects of this job

Many of your patients may not improve appreciably and may die.

Having to treat younger people and children.

Exposure to open wounds, disfigurements, smells and bodily fluids.

You must work with a team. If there is a co-worker or Doctor that you do not get along with you have to ignore your differences for the sake of the patient and get along or find a new job.

There are patients that you will not get along with, but you must ignore those feelings also, as ultimately you are there to help all patients.

There is a very small labor market for this job, especially if you choose to live and work nearby the teaching colleges. This drives wages and benefits down, and makes it competitive to find work.

Where Can You Go From Here?

For all “Technologist” professions you will need to pass a State Certification Exam. It is also necessary to complete continuing education to maintain this certification.

As a Radiation Therapist you can be promoted to Chief Therapist

With additional college you can become a Dosimetrist

If you wish to change fields from Radiation Therapy, your first year of college studies will allow you to jump right to the second year of studies to become a Radiographer, CT Technologist, MRI Technologist, Sonography/Ultrasound, PET Scan, Nuclear Imaging, Mammography.

Other choices that can enable you to work in the cancer care setting are Nursing assistant, RN, Oncology Nurse, Physicians assistant, Lab Tech, Phlebotomist, Certified Medical Billing Specialist , Cancer Registrar, Licensed Medical Massage Cancer Specialist, Social Worker, Cancer Center Office Manager, Radiology Manager, PACS Administrator, Medical Physicist, Linear Accelerator Service Engineer, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist

Thank you for your interest in

Radiation Therapy as a career.

Michael Eissfeld RT(T)

www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleissfeld/