Diploma in Radiography Therapy

Purpose

The Diploma in Radiography develops a professional who is competent in the knowledge and skills required for Radiation Therapy. The learner has experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context in the Health Care Team up to Level 3.

Rationale

Radiation Therapy is one of the scarce skill professions in South Africa, and more Radiographers are trained to address this shortage. The Radiation Therapist is involved in the planning and dose calculation and accurate administration of various forms of ionising radiation for the treatment and care of patients with malignant and benign neoplasms, according to a prescription of a Radiation Oncologist. Radiation Therapy has grown substantially as an individual allied health science discipline alongside the new ionising radiation and computer technologies that have emerged worldwide since the 1960s. Thus, the practice of Radiation Therapy requires an increasing range of skills and professional scope. The learning for the practice of Radiation Therapy has grown accordingly from informal, hospital-based training to formal qualifications offered by higher education institutions in partnership with academic hospitals. It is true for South Africa and across the globe.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is taken into account, and learners present a Portfolio of Evidence of previous learning and experiences. Learners have to apply for RPL via the Department of Graduation and Assessment. The institution's policies regarding RPL are used to process applications.

The following procedure will be utilised when applications for RPL are received

• The learner completes prescribed RPL form obtained from Assessment and Graduation services (AGS) of the institution.
• The completed form is submitted to AGS.
• The appropriate HOD with expert/experts in the field assesses the application.
• They make a recommendation regarding the application.
• The relevant HOD meets with the chairperson of the faculty RPL Committee to evaluate the document and check for completeness of the documentation.
• The signed document/s with recommendation is then presented to EXCO for final discussion and approval.
• EXCO's decision is then sent to AGS for implementation and to communicate the outcome to the applicant.
• A successful learner can now apply for the specific programme for which RPL was sought.

Please note that RPL will also be awarded to learners who provide sufficient evidence that the stated competencies and/or outcomes of the qualification have been achieved through relevant experience. Subject recognition is applied to Diagnostic Qualified Radiographers to advance the learners into the second year of National Diploma: Radiography: Therapy.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 402 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 150 Credits

• Radiographic Practice I, 24 Credits.
• Clinical Radiographic Practice I (WIL), 24 Credits.
• Radiographic Pathology I, 12 Credits.
• Physics and Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Image Recording, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy, 24 Credits.
• Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Psychodynamics of Patient Management, 12 Credits.
• Personal Information Management, 0 Credit.
• Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, 6 Credits.
• Basic Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.
• Advanced Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 132 Credits

• Radiographic Practice II (T), 36 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning Clinical Radiographic Practice II (T), 24 Credits.
• Radiation Science II, 0 Credits.
• Image Recording II, 24 Credits.
• Radiation Physics II, 24 Credits.
• Radiographic Pathology II, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Radiographic Practice III (T), 48 Credits.
• Clinical Radiography Practice III (T), Work-integrated Learning, 24 Credits.
• Radiation Science III (T), 24 Credits.
• Applied Psychology III, 24 Credits.

1. Perform conventional radiotherapy procedures appropriate to the clinical presentation, to ensure optimum radiation localisation and treatment planning.
2. Apply scientific knowledge and skills to therapeutic procedures for oncological conditions for optimal radiation treatment and accurate delivery of the radiation treatment prescribed.
3. Apply knowledge and clinical skills to provide and facilitate holistic patient care responsibly and effectively. Do this per the patient's needs to ensure a comprehensive radiotherapy service.
4. Manage a division of the Radiation Therapy department in terms of Quality Assurance Radiation Protection and resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply anatomical, pathological and technical knowledge and skills, to prepare and construct customised patient treatment accessories for accurate and reproducible application of treatment plans.
• Apply theoretical and clinical knowledge to localise the neoplasm and treatment fields, (simulation procedures as well as CT scanning) to facilitate accurate and reproducible treatment delivery.
• Implement the information gained from localisation procedures and effectively produce computerised treatment plans (2D and 3D) for optimal treatment delivery, not exceeding tolerance doses.
• Utilise knowledge and skills to calculate radiation treatment doses and times/monitor units to ensure the treatment delivery complies with the prescription.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Operate the equipment (including computers) and accessories safely, optimally and accurately.
• Apply anatomical and pathological knowledge and understanding of radiotherapy procedures.
• Set-up, the patient for treatment.
• Deliver planned treatment accurately.
• Apply basic research skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply pathological, radiobiological and radiation physics, theoretical and clinical knowledge to provide physical care to patients with different neoplasms.
• Apply and understand anatomical and pathological knowledge of radiotherapy procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Implement and adhere to Quality Assurance programmes in the department.
• Implement guidelines as set out in departmental policy document.
• Implement current radiation protection laws.
• Apply managerial skills in organising and administration.
• Manage routine functions of the Radiation Oncology service.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous evaluation of theoretical, practical and clinical aspects.

Tests Assignments / Projects / Practicals.

Presentations Case studies.

Clinical assessments.