OVERVIEW

Therapy radiography is a specialised discipline that uses using ionising radiation (mostly high-energy X-rays) to treat patients with cancer. Practitioners who treat patients seeking such care are known as radiotherapists, therapeutic or therapy radiographers.

Therapy Radiographers, also known as Radiation Therapists or Radiotherapists are health care professionals skilled in the art and science of medical radiation treatment delivery.

Along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy (radiotherapy or therapy radiography) offers cancer patients the best chance to succeed in treatment of most cancers.

High technology equipment and innovative treatment methods are utilized to maximize treatment effectiveness. Therapy Radiographers must have excellent technical skills, but must also be empathetic and effective communicators. Much satisfaction is gained from close patient interaction and the specialty’s team approach with radiation oncologists,

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

At the end of the programme, graduates are expected to:

• Work with the radiation oncologist in localising tumours.

• Simulate treatment parameters.

• Verify and implement computergenerated treatment plans.

• Deliver radiation treatment as prescribed by the medical physicist and oncologist/physician and monitor patient’s physical condition and response to treatment.

• Provide patient care and comfort, show respect for patients’ rights and dignity and act in acceptable professional manner at all times.

• Educate patients and the general public on radiotherapy procedures and radiation protection/safety.

• Work with colleagues and other health professionals as a member of the health care team.

• Advise hospital management on radiotherapy issues.

INDUSTRY/GLOBAL TRENDS

In the past, therapy radiography was used as the last resort for the treatment of many malignancies with surgery the favoured treatment method; but now it is recognised as an important treatment modality for malignant disease.

Advances in therapy radiography have made it possible for diagnostic procedures to develop and provide better preventative screening measures for human health. As a result earlier disease detection has contributed to increases in the number of radical treatments and improvements in outcomes.

Besides the growing elderly population that is expected to increase the number of cancer cases, as radiation technology becomes safer and more effective, it will be prescribed more often, leading to an increased demand for therapy radiography

ASSESSMENT

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning and projects or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of therapy radiography work in a range of healthcare settings including local, district, and regional clinics and hospitals or private establishments

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (SSCE/WASSCE)

General Admission

i. Applicants who have appropriate passes in Core Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Elective Mathematics shall be admitted directly into the first year (Level 100) of the 4-year undergraduate degree programmes.

ii. Applicants who have completed Level 100 Biological Science with Physics and have a minimum CGPA of 2.0 can be admitted to the Second Year (Level 200) of the 4-year undergraduate degree programmes.

iii. Applicants who satisfy other requirements for admission, i.e. GCE Advanced Levels or equivalent with the appropriate passes may be admitted directly into the second year (Level 200) of the 4-year undergraduate degree programmes.

iv. A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Physical Sciences from a recognized University may be considered for admission on the recommendation of a special committee appointed by the Dean.

The special committee shall vet transcripts of the candidate as well as course contents of the degrees, with a view to determining suitability of degrees of previous training and make appropriate recommendations that shall include the level of admission to the Dean.

Admissions under this section may be subject to such conditions as may be approved by the Admissions Board. Other Admission Certificate and Diploma applicants may be considered for admission to Level 200 of the BSc (Diagnostic Radiography/Therapy Radiography) degree programme.

TUITION METHODS

Class discussion, Note dictation, Practical Sessions