MRS349 Principles and Practice Radiation Therapy 2 (16)

In this subject students continue to build their knowledge and skills in Radiation Therapy. Students explore more advanced radiation therapy techniques for the head, neck, integument and endocrine systems. Students undertake a 6 week clinical placement to further their experience and develop their understandings in a clinical setting and support their study towards meeting the skills and capabilities required for graduate entry professional registration. Students will continue to develop and consolidate their skills in critical evaluation and reflective practice.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS349. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy)

Prerequisites

MRS252

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate critical, analytical, and reflective skills in a range of contexts including clinical problem solving, research and empirical practice, and academic and professional discourse (MRPBA Domains 1-5);
  • be able to implement professional practice, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills, with specific reference to applying anatomy, physiology and pathology, applying the principles of physics and instrumentation, utilising patient information management systems, determining appropriate procedures, and manage / manipulate 3D datasets (MRPBA Domain 1);
  • be able to evaluate and implement outcomes of patient assessment and due diligence to deliver appropriate care inclusive of appropriate management in the event of deteriorating patient condition, urgent and/or unexpected findings (MRPBA Domain 1);
  • be able to apply understanding of practice in radiation therapy, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills, with specific reference to appropriate use of stabilisation devices, application of treatment simulation techniques, knowledge and application of treatment planning and dosimetry, implement CT imaging and implementation of treatment techniques according to approved plans (MRPBA Domain 1C);
  • be able to apply the principles of radiation safety and risk management with specific reference to safe radiation practice, protecting/enhancing patient safety, ensuring safe operation of equipment, maintain safety of self and others and safely managing radiation and radioactivity (MRPBA Domain 5);
  • be able to explain and apply the principles of evidence based practice and professional learning with specific reference to critical and reflective thinking to resolve clinical challenges and identifying professional learning needs / life-long learning (MRPBA Domain 4);
  • be able to demonstrate communication and collaboration skills with specific reference to clear, sensitive and effective communication and collaborating with other health practitioners (MRPBA Domain 3);
  • be able to identify, explain and implement professional and ethical conduct with specific reference to global citizenship, ethical, professional and legal practices, providing appropriate care, assuming accountability and responsibility, and patient advocacy (MRPBA Domain 2);
  • be able to understand, explain and apply principles of Indigenous cultural competence and safety within the context of patient care and advocacy (MRPBA Domain 2 and 3);
  • be able to synthesise and critically evaluate information to implement social, economic and environmental sustainable practices. Understand the use of CT, MRI, and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient presentations, and related planning procedures. (MRPBA Domain 1.3c);
  • be able to operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice as required. (MRPBA Domain 1.3d);
  • be able to understand the processes of peer assessment, standard setting, mentorship, and developmental support to other members of the healthcare team. (MRPBA Domain 2.5a); and
  • be able to identify and explain appropriate decisions about the care of patients before, during, and after the examination/treatment. (MRPBA Domain 1.7d and 2.3a).

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • CLINICAL SKILLS:
  • Clinical block (1 x 6 week)
  • Professionalism
  • Ethics and law
  • Social and environmental justice
  • Radiation safety
  • Patient care and communication
  • culturally safe environments
  • WHS
  • Technical competence
  • Reflective practice
  • TOPICS:
  • Head and neck
  • Endocrine
  • Skin
  • Each topic includes -
  • Terminology
  • Protocol and procedure
  • Diagnostic workup
  • Pathophysiology epidemiology / clinical indications / outcomes
  • Patient care; including direct and indirect effects of radiation therapy
  • Quality assurance (verification systems) of treatment plan / delivery
  • Incident reporting including those published by the Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) (MRPBA Domain 4.5)

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 30 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

Clinical Practicum occurs in Radiation Therapy Centres. Students are supervised by registered radiation therapists while on placement.

InPlace software is used by students and clinical supervisors to record experiences and competency achievements.

Special Resources

Students undertake 6 weeks clinical placement which require students to undertake travel at their own expense (including travel, accommodation and uniforms).

Students undertake pre-clinical practical activities in CSU laboratories and in clinical centres that partner with CSU.

Students are responsible for obtaining any necessary vaccinations, criminal record and  working with children checks as required by placement sites.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back