Applies knowledge from previous clinical learning experience under the supervision of a registered radiation therapist. Students are tested on intermediate clinical radiation therapy skills. Through the use of lecture and labs the student becomes familiar with acceptable machine specifications and tests performed to check compliance. Students will study quality assurance tests related to patient charts, treatment accessories, patient communication devices, machine panel reading and indicator lights, mechanical and electrial safety devices, readout devices, light field, radiation field and collimator indicator agreement, machine dose rate constancy, beam penetrative quality, field symmetry and flatness, mechanical and optical patient alignment devices, linear scales on treatment tables, collimator rotation readout devices, gantry rotation readout devices, stability of isocenter under collimator and gantry rotation, treatment couch isocenter, film processor performance, image quality constancy, combinations of test and brachytherapy source inventory. Students will learn the responsibilities of each team member in relation to quality assurance duties.
Student is introduced to the concept of disease.
The histology, types of growth, etiology and biological behavior of neoplastic diseases are covered, as well as staging procedures. Students will learn the inflammatory process and the principal types of inflammatory cells, the signs of acute inflammation and the clinical patterns of acute inflammation. This course will cover the principles of cell response to radiation, including tissue sensitivity, survival and repair and the latent effects of irradiated tissue. All patient treatment done in directed clinical learning will be under the supervision of a registered radiation therapist. This course will cover the basic concepts in treatment planning and clinical dosimetry.