Radiotherapy technologists (RTT)

More than 140 radiotherapy technologists work in the Radiation Oncology Department at the UMCG. They guide patients throughout the entire course of radiation treatment: from preparation and making the treatment plan to the radiation itself. They use the latest imaging and radiotherapy techniques to perform each treatment as accurately and safely as possible.

Our technologists continuously develop their knowledge through courses and additional training and actively contribute to scientific research and innovations within the field. In addition, we gladly train new professionals. Students from the Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques (MBRT) program can do internships with us and gain practical experience.

At our department, radiotherapy technologists work in different areas of focus. By specializing in one or more parts of the treatment process, they work together to ensure the best possible care for each patient.

Overview Training and education Research projects

Focus areas

In the Radiotherapy department, radiotherapy technologists work with a wide range of imaging and radiotherapy techniques. Each technologist has a broad basic knowledge of the field and also specializes in one or more areas of focus:

Treatment preparation

Mould room: In the mould room, we make patient-specific aids that ensure accurate and comfortable treatment. Think of masks for head and neck radiation, molds for electron radiation, and aids made from tissue-equivalent material. The technologists also guide patients with breathing exercises for chest and thoracic wall radiation.

CT: The CT technologists create the CT scans needed for developing the radiation treatment plan and for any imaging during the treatment process. They also help with imaging for PET-CT and MRI scans, mark important organs for treatment planning, schedule things like palliative radiation plans, and are on call for emergency patients.

Treatment planning: The treatment planning technologists combine different imaging studies and, together with the radiation oncologist and clinical physicist, create an optimal radiation plan. They choose the most suitable radiation technique, such as 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT, or proton therapy. They also make treatment plans for procedures on the MR-linac. After that, the technologists prepare the data for use on the radiation machine.

Radiation treatment

Linac, MR-linac and protons: During the entire radiation treatment, patient support is central for the technologists. In addition, they check the radiation plans, perform position verifications, and administer the treatment accurately.

Verification: The verification technologists support the radiation treatment by carefully checking the patient's position and the radiation data. They also request and process control CT scans to make the treatment as accurate as possible. Together with radiotherapists and physicists, verification technologists analyze datasets to see if margins can be reduced, which could possibly lessen side effects.

TBI (Total Body Irradiation): The technologists carry out the total body irradiations. This can be done with the patient either standing or lying down, depending on the treatment.

Orthovolt: At Orthovolt, superficial tumors are treated with a special radiation technique. Radiotherapy technologists take care of both the preparation and the execution of these treatments.

Brachytherapy: In brachytherapy, technologists assist with the preparation and carrying out of internal radiation treatments, where the radiation source is placed in or near the tumor.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Radiotherapy is constantly evolving. That's why it's important for our technologists to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. They regularly attend training sessions and refresher courses and go to (inter)national conferences and symposia to stay informed about the latest developments and new insights.

Within the department, we also put a lot of emphasis on sharing knowledge. We do this through clinical lessons and training meetings, among other things. This way, we make sure our patients are treated according to the most current insights.

Education

Our radiotherapy technologists have completed a university of applied sciences program, such as the Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Techniques (MBRT) course or a similar program.

The Radiotherapy department offers MBRT students the chance to get to know the field through a trial internship or to gain practical experience during a 20-week internship. Internship placements are assigned through the program.

During the 20-week internship, students get to know different parts of the department, with a focus on working with the linear accelerator (linac) or within proton therapy. They are guided by experienced supervisors and get the chance to further develop their knowledge and skills in practice.

In addition, final-year MBRT students can carry out a scientific research project in our department.

Contact

For questions about internships or graduation, you can contact Ewout Venema at e.m.venema@umcg.nl

Project support

Our department is constantly working on improving the quality of radiotherapy. That’s why we do a lot of scientific research and develop new treatment techniques.

Radiotherapy technologists play an important role in this. Besides their work in patient care, they can contribute to research and innovation projects. Some technologists work one or two days a week on ongoing research projects. They support radiotherapists, researchers, PhD students, and postdocs, for example by carrying out studies, collecting research data, and developing new treatment methods. In this way, they contribute to the radiotherapy of the future.