Radiation Therapy

The first of two consecutive courses that cover human anatomy and physiology of relevance to the study and practice of radiation therapy. This course consists of an introductory review of relevant cytology and histology, and comprehensive study of the following systems: the skeletal system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. This course supplements typical considerations of anatomical structure and function with explorations of relational and sectional anatomy to prepare for the diverse imaging modalities encountered in clinical practice.

This course introduces communication needs in the practice of radiation therapy and the health care environment. Students learn basic concepts and skills for communicating effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and patients. Class activities and assignments focus on analysing, planning and practising common oral and written workplace communication tasks. The course also provides the opportunity for students to apply research skills to a self-directed learning task, and to present their findings orally and in writing.

This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.
Prerequisite(s): BCIT ENGL 1177 or (equivalent), OR 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above.

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.

The clinical orientation week introduces the student to treatment and planning procedures in the radiation therapy department. Students will be scheduled to planning and treatment units to observe procedures and to interact with patients. Students will review BC Cancer Agency/PHSA and Clinical Program policies and procedures in order to perform 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 consecutive courses that cover human anatomy and physiology of relevance to the study and practice of radiation therapy. This course consists of a comprehensive study of the following systems: the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the female reproductive system and the male reproductive system. This course supplements typical considerations of anatomical structure and function with explorations of relational and sectional anatomy to prepare for the diverse imaging modalities encountered in clinical practice.
Prerequisite(s): 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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in BHSC 5101

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.

​The students in this course will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills for patient care in an interprofessional environment, learning about, from, and with other health professional learners. Students will be introduced to health and safety measures, learn how to complete a variety of basic healthcare procedures, and develop competency in the use of equipment commonly used in various healthcare settings. This course will provide the knowledge and skills to effectively support patients during various clinical skills. Theory is supported with supervised laboratory activities designed to give students opportunities to apply critical thinking and manual skills to a variety of patient care situations.

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.

Students in this course will gain knowledge of pharmacology commonly used for oncology patients. Students will gain an understanding of the legal accountability of health care professionals who administer drugs. Students will learn the physiologic processes involved in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism & excretion of the relevant drugs used in a clinical setting, as well as identification of adverse drug reactions. Students will gain knowledge on contrast media classifications and potential adverse reactions to contrast media. The content of this course aligns with the CAMRT Competency Profile for Radiation Therapy (2019).
Prerequisite(s): HSIP 1000

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. 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. 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.
Prerequisite(s): 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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in RADT 5105

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. Lectures are reinforced with numerical examples and students solve numerical problems where appropriate.​
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 5103

During this 4 week clinical simulation lab students will apply theoretical knowledge to practice & perform basic radiation therapy techniques using VERT (virtual environment for radiation therapy). Students will develop and practice their patient care & new patient information through the use of role play and case scenario. Students will construct a customised immobilisation device using accepted procedure & familiarise themselves with immobilisation. Students will observe and perform a variety of quality control checks on treatment units in radiation therapy, as well as identify the importance of quality assurance programs for treatment ancillary equipment.
Prerequisite(s): BHSC 5102 and BHSC 6101 and RADT 5001 and RADT 6102 and RADT 6105

Students will continue to develop and practice their patient care and technical skills under the supervision of the radiation therapists. During this clinical practicum students are scheduled to treatment and planning units to further obtain different experiences in the radiation therapy department. Students will practice and perform basic and intermediate radiation therapy techniques as well as new patient information for evaluation of competency.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 6101

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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in BHSC 5102

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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in COMM 5104 and 60% in MATH 6105

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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in RADT 6114 and 60% in RADT 6105

Provides an in-depth examination of the effects of ionising 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.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 6114 and RADT 6102

This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, staging and treatment of malignancies of the head and neck, CNS, thorax including breast, lung, thymus, esophagus, as well as skin. Systemic malignancies such as lymphoma and leukemia’s will be examined. Students will also study the issues surrounding palliative and supportive care in oncological management. In the techniques portion of the course students will examine in detail the technical and patient related factors that can contribute to daily variation in clinical technique set-ups. Students will relate stage and tumour location to techniques commonly used in clinical practice. The simulation component (VERT) will allow students to practice techniques in competency based scenarios and will provide students with an opportunity to practice, explore and problem solve.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 7101

This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, staging and treatment of malignancies of the abdomen (including GI structures & organs), pelvis including male and female reproductive systems, and urinary system. As well, students will study the issues and treatment of pædiatric patients, sarcomas and benign tumours/conditions often treated with radiation therapy. In the techniques portion of the course students will examine in detail the technical and patient related factors that can contribute to daily variation in clinical technique set-ups. Students will relate stage and tumour location to techniques commonly used in clinical practice. The simulation component (VERT) will allow students to practice techniques in competency based scenarios and will provide students with an opportunity to practice, explore and problem solve.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 7101

Students will continue to develop and practice their patient care and technical skills under the supervision of the radiation therapists. During this 12-week clinical practicum students are scheduled to a variety of treatment and planning units in the radiation therapy department. Students will practice and perform multi-field and brachytherapy techniques for evaluation of competency. They will provide all required information to new patients, i.e. skin care, full bladder, etc. and explain possible reactions and care of reactions to patients.
Prerequisite(s): BHSC 6102 and RADT 7101 and RADT 7105 and RADT 8110 and RADT 8120 and RADT 8116

Building on the fundamentals of communication from COMM 5105 – Communication 1 for Radiation Therapy, this course focuses on communication in research and career development settings. The research modules cover theory and practice for communicating scientific research; students apply these skills by writing a research article and preparing an oral presentation for peers, instructors and other health care professionals. In the career communication module, students practice job application skills appropriate for their discipline and prospective employers. Throughout the course, students develop oral communication skills for team meetings, project consultations and interviews.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in COMM 5105

This course introduces students to contemporary issues in health ethics by examining and applying ethical theories to moral dilemmas at the clinical, professional, and organizational levels. To this end, developing competence in moral reasoning is an important goal, one that will be emphasized through the analysis of case studies that test personal, professional, and societal values.
Prerequisite(s): BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

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.
Prerequisite(s): 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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in RADT 6109

This course provides the student with lab experiences to develop competency in clinical treatment planning. Students will gain an understanding of how manual methods are used 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, students will employ 3-D software to outline critical structures, assess planning target volumes and design optimal treatment plans.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 8101

In this course, students will examine a holistic model of care for the cancer patient that includes an integrated approach to healing and providing optimal outcomes for oncology patients. Students will develop care plans for patients based on the acute and long term effects of radiation therapy treatment whilst considering the patient's cultural, physical and emotional needs. Issues surrounding patient education, post-treatment quality of life, care in the community, palliative and hospice care will also be examined.
Prerequisite(s): NURS 5102 and RADT 6104

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.
Prerequisite(s): 60% in BUSA 7250

In the last term of the program, students will complete their clinical education by competently performing all required techniques and procedures outlined in the Clinical Manual section C. Students will perform as an effective team member in the radiation therapy department to provide patients with optimal treatment and care. Completion of clinical assignments and Prep Exam(s) is mandatory for graduation and for eligibility to sit the CAMRT certification exams.
Prerequisite(s): RADT 8101 and RADT 8105 and RADT 8106