Patient Care and the Radiation Therapy Profession
In Canada and the United Kingdom, advanced practice radiation therapists are experienced radiation therapists who perform clinical and patient care responsibilities while also receiving training and specialization in additional areas of practice under the guidance of a radiation oncologist as part of the task-sharing radiation oncology team. Examples of these additional responsibilities may be integrated into palliative care, brachytherapy and adaptive radiation therapy. This advanced practice role creates a professional development clinical pathway for radiation therapists to grow their knowledge, skills and judgment through appropriate education and competency to provide an enhanced level of care.
The APRT role is not formally established in the United States at the national level. Although advanced practice radiation therapy education programs exist internationally, currently there are none available in North America. Internationally, APRTs follow a four-pillar model of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and training, and research and scholarship.