新加坡理工学院

Radiation therapy involves the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques to deliver radiation precisely and accurately to patients, mainly for the treatment of cancer. Radiation therapists are important members of radiation oncology teams. They apply their professional education to deliver a sensitive and patient-centred service. Radiation therapists work within the oncology team to customise individual treatment plans for patients and endeavour to deliver the best therapeutic result with minimum side-effects to patients. Radiation therapists also play a key role in helping patients manage side-effects and provide emotional comfort during treatment. Besides caring for patients, radiation therapists are also actively involved in other areas of healthcare such as research, education and administration.

Radiation therapy is a valued profession in many countries, including Singapore. The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Radiation Therapy degree is a four-year direct honours degree programme that prepares graduates for the role of a professional radiation therapist. It is the only radiation therapy programme among autonomous universities in Singapore. The curriculum is developed in close consultation with the radiation therapy industry to ensure relevance and graduates’ employability. The programme will be seeking accreditation by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), thus enabling graduates to practise as a professional radiation therapist in Singapore.

Curriculum
The SIT Radiation Therapy programme focuses on applied learning and provides high-quality, practice-oriented education in the following areas:

Health and behavioural sciences. Broad-based knowledge in health and behavioural sciences, including anatomy, physiology, patient care and safety, psychology, health systems, professionalism, interprofessional education, and change management.

Oncological and radiological science and technology. Professional knowledge in the science and technology associated with cancer treatment, including cancer biology, radiation oncology, radiation physics, radiobiology, radiation protection, radiological anatomy, dosimetry, medical imaging technology and radiation therapy technology.

Radiation therapy practice. Professional knowledge in different areas of radiation therapy practice, including radiation therapy treatment planning, simulation, delivery and post-treatment care for various body regions and systems. This component also includes an honours thesis that emphasises scientific enquiry and evidence-informed radiation therapy practice.

Career Opportunities
Suitably qualified radiation therapists are in high demand in Singapore. Besides working in major cancer centres in the public healthcare sector, radiation therapists also work in the private sector.