RADTX 341 - Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance, Safety and Protection

2 CR

The content of this course presents an overview of the principles of radiation protection and safety, including the duties and responsibilities of the radiation therapist. Safety measures for patients, coworkers and the public are emphasized. Radiation safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies and accreditation agencies are studied.

Course Outcomes

Calculate exposure based on time, distance and type of radioactivity.
Explain techniques used to reduce unnecessary dose to the patient and employ the concept of as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Recognize the legal and ethical radiation protection responsibilities of radiation workers and describe the concept of negligible individual risk
Select the correct units for exposure, absorbed dose, dose equivalence and radioactivity.
Compare the various dose monitoring methods for medical personnel and list exposure limits for occupational and nonoccupational individuals.
Distinguish the interrelationship between relative biological effectiveness and quality factors.
Distinguish between somatic and genetic effects of radiation exposure and differentiate between stochastic and deterministic effects of radiation exposure.
Discuss the principles of radiation protection used when designing treatment rooms.
Recall the boundaries and regulations of the state and national regulatory agencies.
Describe the elements of a radiation protection survey for patients undergoing brachytherapy in the operating room and inpatient setings.
Explain the theory, operation and limitations of radiation detection devices.
Develop an action plan for equipment failure.
Define responsibilities of the radiation safety officer, explain procedures to receive and ship radioactive materials and evaluate a record keeping system for radioactive sources.

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