This first of two consecutive courses provides a comprehensive review of human anatomy and physiology of relevance to radiation therapy practice. Introductory sections on cytology and histology are followed by overviews of the skeletal system and muscular systems. Includes detailed discussions of cardiovascular, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. Supplements typical considerations of structure and function with explorations of relational and sectional anatomy.

This course introduces communication needs in the practice of radiation therapy and the health care environment. It enables students to participate in assignments and presentations and to develop communication skills required to communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and patients. Students also develop methods of organizing and providing information, delivering oral and written instructions, and researching and summarizing technical information.

Develops advanced skills in critical analysis, close reading and composition through lectures, discussion and group activities in which students analyse and evaluate materials from various disciplines. Readings might come from professional journals, reports, newspapers, magazines and literature. Multimedia such as video, music and the Internet may also be included. Prerequisite: equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits BCIT Communication.

Provides a solid theory base for the delivery of safe patient care in potentially unstable or unpredictable situations. Includes an introduction to the hospital environment, health problems of the patient, and the basic safety and comfort aspects to be considered when working with patients, carrying out a variety of procedures and working with equipment in the patient's environment, plus content on legal and ethical issues in health care. Covers common emergencies, laboratory tests and pharmaceuticals specific to the Radiation Therapy department, as well as an overview of pediatric growth and development. Provides practice in a variety of patient care skills and procedures in the context of their use within the Radiation Therapy department, and reinforce it through a variety of teaching and learning techniques.

Introduces fundamental physics and mathematical concepts important to the therapeutic use of ionizing radiation. Begins with a review of some basic physics concepts and expands into a discussion of topics specific to radioactivity, production of x-rays and their interactions in different media. Identifies applications of physics theory to radiation therapy treatment. Provides problem based laboratory work, and reinforces lecture topics with numerical examples requiring solution of numerical problems where appropriate.

A week of clinical orientation introduces treatment and planning procedures in the radiation therapy department. Schedules students to planning and treatment units to observe procedures and to interact with patients. Reviews BC Cancer Agency and Clinical Program policies and procedures for performing in a safe and professional manner.

Provides for the definition and application of medical terminology to the discipline of oncology. Critically examines the public’s perceptions of cancer through personal misconceptions about the disease and the media’s portrayal of cancer, its causes, and treatment. Also examines are the distinguishing biological characteristics of benign and malignant neoplasms, the natural history of malignancies including tumour progression, the metastatic cascade and methods of tumour spread, as well as the epidemiology and etiology of cancer. Provides an understanding of universal classification systems used in the staging & grading of cancer. Public education through cancer prevention and cancer screening programs will be studied through group presentations.

Introduction to the examination of the concepts and principles of treatment planning for radiation therapy treatment delivery, and the roles and responsibilities of the different members of the treatment planning team. Workplace safety procedures, image quality in medical radiography, radiation safety & protection will be part of this course. This course will provide familiarity with treatment planning terminology, patient contouring, positioning and immobilization, treatment field blocking methods, verification of treatment fields, and CT simulator technology. A customized immobilization device will be constructed - using accepted procedures.

Explores psychological and sociological concepts, research and application of relevance to the clinical practice of radiation therapy. Topics to assist students to develop the communication and coping skills required of a health care professional include critical skills for effective, professional communications, challenges and opportunities presented by cultural and other diversity in the workplace, developmental differences, work teams, conflict resolution, harassment and discrimination, abuse and ethics.

The second of two courses that cover human anatomy and physiology of relevance to the study and practice of radiation therapy. Considers the nervous system (including organs of special sense), endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Concepts and applications, sectional and relational anatomy complement a traditional systems approach to prepare for the diverse imaging modalities encountered in the clinical area. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 5101

An examination of the principles of pathology and fundamental disease processes at the cellular level, local and systemic levels. Topics covered include cellular injury and death, tissue necrosis; tissue injury and healing including inflammation, regeneration and repair; neoplastic diseases including genetic disorders, immunologic suppression, and viral causes; as well, disorders of body systems will be examined concentrating on neoplastic disease and its consequences. Students are expected to select a relevant topic, research the topic and present their findings to the class. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 5101

Examines current issues in the delivery of health care in Canada's Health System with some reference to other health care systems in the world. Critical thinking and evaluative skills applied to investigation, analysis and discussion of various issues.

Emphasizes statistical data treatment and decision making with illustrative cancer therapy applications. Topics include modeling with probability distributions (Binomial, Normal), statistical inference (estimation and hypothesis testing, p-values), regression and correlation. Applications include descriptive presentations, survival rates and experimental design.

The second in a series of courses examining the fundamentals of radiation physics and the principles and concepts of dosimetry in the application of beam data to obtain the optimal treatment plan for each patient. Examines the physical applications and concepts relevant to teletherapy and brachytherapy equipment, photon and electron interactions, and beam data collection. Laboratory work is problem based. Lectures are reinforced with numerical examples and students solve numerical problems where appropriate. Prerequisites: 60% in PHYS 5103

Examines the characteristics of a health care professional and how to incorporate these characteristics into clinical performance. Also examines the legal-ethical issues of informed consent to medical procedures and apply this knowledge into practice. Issues surrounding patient education will be examined. Provides an introduction to the basic concepts of radiobiology. Relates the natural history of malignancy to the application of different treatment modalities to provide patients with the best possible treatment outcomes. Studies the role of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as primary treatment modalities and as adjuvant therapies. Examines host and tumour related factors that affect prognosis. Prerequisites: 60% in RADT 5104

Examines quality assurance concepts and applications to treatment planning and delivery in radiation therapy. Examines in detail the guiding principles for a quality assurance program as stated by the ICRU and the implementation in the radiation therapy department, with the importance of quality control checks for all planning and treatment ancillary equipment. Overview of basic radiation therapy techniques in preparation of obtaining competency in clinical practice, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of other imaging modalities and image quality used in the treatment planning process. Prerequisites: 60% in RADT 5105

An eight-week clinical practicum providing continued experience in the treatment and planning procedures of the radiation therapy department. Enables participation in technical and patient care activities conducive to the level of experience and under supervision from radiation therapists. Requires completion of rotations on a variety of planning and treatment units, and attendance at oncology rounds/inservices where indicated. Prerequisites: RADT 5001

Provides for continued development and practice of patient care and technical skills under the supervision of radiation therapists. This 16-week cinical practicum schedules students to treatment and planning units to obtain different experiences in the radiation therapy department. Enables practice and performance of basic radiation therapy techniques, specifically single field and parallel opposed pair techniques for evaluation of competency. Prerequisites: RADT 6001

Continues the exploration of the psychological and sociological issues that may influence a cancer patient's ability to cope and recover from treatment. Examines concepts from research and application to clinical practice. Includes a review of communication and interaction skills; managing stress and negative emotions in clients and in self depression; burnout; anxiety; claustrophobia; psychological aspects of pain and its treatment; psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment; needs of family members; making appropriate referrals; dealing with clients who have disabilities; life threatening illness; death and dealing with dying patients; and medico-legal implications of practice. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 5102

The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.

Examines in detail the technical and patient related factors that can contribute to daily variation in clinical technique set ups. Discusses the factors related to variation and corrective action that can be taken to ensure accuracy and precision of treatment. Examines departmental and professional practice guidelines as part of the rationale for daily variations. Relates stage and tumour location to techniques commonly used in clinical practice.

This first of two research courses guides through the initial steps of developing a suitable research project relevant to the practice of radiation therapy. Provides for the formulation of a reseach topic or question, review and critique of relevant literature, definition of research methodology, and obtaining approval from project advisor(s) before commencing research methodology. Requires preparation of an independent proposal based on the research question. Examines the principles of clinical trials as a method to advance medical practice and other forms of experimental design commonly found in medical research, and the importance of research in professional development. Prerequisites: 60% in COMM 5104 and 60% in MATH 6105

Provides an in-depth examination of the effects of ionizing radiation on living cells at low doses and at therapeutic levels. Describes & relates concepts of fractionation, optimal dose for tumour control and therapeutic ratio to radiation therapy clinical practice. Relates carcinogenesis, hereditary effects and the effects on embryo & fetus to radiation exposure. Examines radiation safety for both the general public and for occupationally exposed personnel. Studies the application of the ALARA principle for radiation safety and recommendations of the ICRP. Examines legislation by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and compliance with these regulations within the practice of radiation therapy. Prerequisites: 60% in PHYS 6104

Provides a foundation of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, staging and treatment of malignancies of the female and male reproductive and urinary systems, as well as lymphoma, leukemia and other non-solitary malignancies. Also examines the malignant tumours of CNS, skin, muscle and bone. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 5102 and 60% in NURS 5104 and 60% in RADT 6104

Delivers the clinical application of dosimetry and treatment planning concepts in order to obtain optimal beam arrangements. Examines the application of dosimetric principles in teletherapy and brachytherapy and relates them to clinical practice. Provides practical dosimetry skills through completion of mathematical problem sets for teletherapy and brachytherapy techniques. Prerequisites: 60% in PHYS 6104 and 60% in RADT 6105

Continues the development and practice of patient care and technical skills under the supervision of radiation therapists. This 8-week clinical practicum schedules students into a variety of treatment and planning units in the radiation therapy department to practise and perform multi-field and brachtherapy techniques for evaluation of competency. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 6102 and RADT 7001 and 60% in RADT 6106 and 60% in RADT 7103 and 60% in RADT 7105

This course builds on COMM 5105 to develop skills necessary to write a research paper. Students also apply written communication skills to complete job application letters and resumes. They also further develop oral communication skills through group-report collaboration, meeting participation, and interview preparation and assessment. Prerequisites: 60% in COMM 5105

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing. Prerequisite: Equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits of BCIT Communication.

Explores the fundamental physical principles of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and their application within Radiation Therapy. Outlines the principles of radiographic imaging and its limitations, followed by a description of the history and baisc physics of CT, including a discussion of data acquisition, image reconstruction, instrumentation, image quality, and radiation done in CT. In addition, outlines MRI basic physics and instrumentation, image production, biological effects and safety considerations. Concludes with an outline of the major components of a PACS and its application in Radiation Therapy. Prerequisites: 60% in PHYS 6103

Continues from RADT 6109, enables completion of research under guidance from committee of advisors. Students submit for evaluation a research paper on the analysis of the results, findings and conclusions. The oral presentation consists of an overview of the final research results. Prerequisites: 60% in RADT 6109

Examines a holistic model of care for the cancer patient that includes an integrated approach to healing and providing optimal outcomes for oncology patients. Develops care plans for patients based on the acute and long term effects of radiation therapy treatment while considering the patient's cultural, physical and emotional needs. Also examines issues surrounding patient education, post-treatment quality of life, care in the community, palliative and hospice care. Prerequisites: 60% in NURS 5102 and 60% in RADT 7103

Provides a foundation of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, staging and treatment of head and neck tumours, lung, gastro-intestinal and childhood cancers. Also provides modules to examine the treatment of metastases as well as radiation therapy emergencies. Prerequisites: 60% in BHSC 6102 and 60% in RADT 6106 and 60% in RADT 7105 and 60% in RADT 7104

Provides lab experience to develop competency in clinical treatment planning. Performs manual methods to produce composite isodose distributions and examine the management of digital information that has evolved as a result of increased computerization in clinical practice. Using a variety of patient images, employs 3-D software to outline planning tumour volumes and critical structures, and design optimal treatment plans. Prerequisites: 60% in RADT 6106 and 60% in RADT 7105

This course provides a foundation of study in the theory and practice of quality management in health care through an examination of the literature and case study reviews. Relevant and current TQM theory will be applied to the cancer health care environment with a student assignment to design a survey tool used to measure outcomes of care. Improvement strategies and implementation for the obtainment of quality processes are examined in the context of health care. Prerequisites: 60% in BUSA 7250

In the last term of the program, completes the clinical education component through competent performance of all techniques and procedures outlined in the CAMRT Summary of Clinical Competence. Students perform as an effective team member in the radiation therapy department to provide patients with optimal treatment and care. Completion of clinical assignments is mandatory for graduation and for eligibility to sit the CAMRT certification exams. Prerequisites: RADT 8001 Clinical Experience 3, completion of all core technical, core interpersonal and RADT courses.