High-tech solutions in cancer treatment
A radiation therapist is responsible for the accurate planning, calculation and delivery of high-energy radiation to cure or relieve the symptoms of cancer.

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They are involved in the localisation of the treatment area using CT scans and treatment simulators, and designing treatment techniques that use three dimensional treatment planning systems.

Radiation therapists work closely with doctors to establish the best way to provide treatment. Simulation is conducted on three-dimensional computer planning systems to determine the safest angle beams to use. Radiation therapists also provide emotional, social and educational support to their patients. They typically see the same patient for four to six weeks, often developing a supportive relationship.

Clinical & professional fieldwork
A number of clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities are scheduled as part of your course. This will give you the hands on experience with real clients in a supervised environment to allow you to combine the academic sections of your course with the practical abilities required of the radiation therapy profession. Some of the clinical and professional fieldwork sites that students have attended previously include:

• Central Coast Radiation Oncology Centre
• North Coast Cancer Institute
• Prince of Wales Hospital
• Radiation Oncology Network, Nepean
• Royal Adelaide Hospital
• St George Hospital
• Sydney Radiotherapy & Oncology Centre, Sydney Adventist Hospital
• The Canberra Hospital

There are a number of essential requirements that students need to prepare for before attending any site for clinical and professional fieldwork. Further information on these and more is available at our Clinical & Professional Fieldwork website.

Commonwealth Supported Places
The Faculty has a number of Commonwealth Supported Places available for this program. These places offer a considerable reduction in fees and are awarded to applicants who rank highest in their Grade Point Average. You will be notified with your offer if you qualify for a Commonwealth Supported Place.

Course completion requirements

96 credit points: students are to complete all core, elective and general elective units of study shown in the Table of units of study for the award as set out in the Faculty of Health Sciences handbook.

On campus attendance pattern

Full time

End qualification

Master of Radiation Therapy

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for provisional accreditation with the Australian Institute of Radiography.

Similar courses

B.App.Sc.(MRS) Diag.Rad. (SH116)|M.D.R. (SC131)|M.N.M. (SC133)

Course structure

Course level

Master by Coursework (Undifferentiated)

Honours availability

Additional honours course

Handbook website link

http://www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/health_science.shtml