Radiation Oncology Education | National Cancer Centre Singapore

Radiation oncology plays a crucial role in the medical field, combining the knowledge of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists to administer precise radiation treatments. Learn more about our Radiation Oncology Programmes for Radiation Therapists, Dosimetrists and Medical Physicists in NCCS.

Radiation Therapist Education Programmes

Programme Title	Department	Status	Objective	Synopsis
Radiation Therapist Internship Program (1 year)	Division of Radiation Oncology	Ongoing	Provide structured clinical rotation to the various RT modalities within a year.	RTs are assessed at each rotation through competency-based assessment on critical areas like Quality Assurance, Emergency procedure and Imaging protocols, to ensure interns are assimilated to the workflow and procedures of Radiation Therapy Treatment Competency Assessment are evaluated along with training logs and monthly behavioural standard assessments
Conditionally Registered Radiation Therapist Guided practice	Division of Radiation Oncology	Ongoing	Provide a safe environment for conditionally registered radiation therapist under close supervision by appointed clinical supervisor. To facilitate the transition to a fully, registered radiation therapist that practices safely, competently, and professionally.	Workplace-based professional development programme for Radiation Therapist in their foundation years Built around the competency standards stipulated in the Supervised Practice Guidelines for Conditionally and Temporarily registered Diagnostic Radiographers and Radiation Therapists by the Allied Health Professional Councils
Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) programme Head and Neck Breast Palliative Gynaecology Lung (in-training)		2013 - present	Enhance radiation therapy practice and patient-focused outcomes through role expansion, education, research, professional and organizational leadership.	2-year programmes supervised by a Radiation Oncologist with a requisite of a MSc equivalent Complements and enhances services, with the benefit of new team structures and multi professional collaboration. Functions as a key resource for specific sub site patients undergoing radiation therapy at NCCS. Functions within a multi-disciplinary sub site group to provide comprehensive, holistic care to specific sub site patients during their radiation therapy treatment by complementing and supplementing supportive care provided by the core team. Roles include but are not limited to: Image approval Weekly Clinical Audit Motion management and service start up. Imaging Protocols EBP Publication Conduct training for imaging competency. Virtual Simulation and Planning
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) credentialing, privileging, and re-privileging criteria		June 2023 - present	Develop an in-dept understanding of proton beam therapy treatment delivery for series of disease subsites, incorporating pretreatment preparation, patient education, treatment delivery techniques, motion management, image acquisition and verification for proton beam therapy treatments. To equip Radiation Therapists with the knowledge and skills to function as a competent radiation therapist to deliver safe and accurate proton beam therapy treatment.	Programme outcomes. Become familiar with the use of proton specific immobilization and treatment accessories. Understand treatment workflow of proton treatment delivery. Demonstrate clinical competency in a variety of treatment procedures (especially in high risk-treatments i.e. paediatrics) Perform patient setup and alignment, acquire, and verify images and apply appropriate motion management for proton beam therapy treatment. Be familiar with safety measures, emergency procedures and daily machine quality assurance checks. Practice radiation safety precautions specific to the delivery of proton therapy treatments.
Monthly RT Journal Club		Ongoing	Promotes evidence-based practice and critical thinking Provide respite for clinical staff.	Hybrid format Newly graduated Radiation Therapists present their thesis during undergraduate studies. RT teams on the clinical floor and treatment planning take turns to share knowledge on Evidence Based Practice
Global health Education Programme	Division of Radiation Oncology, Calmette Hospital, Cambodia	Oct 2013 to Apr 2022	Enhance knowledge and skills of radiation therapists in Cambodia Strengthen strategic partnerships with healthcare providers in the ASEAN region Foster education and research collaborations for better patient care	For Radiation Therapists in Cambodia Co-learning collaboration between Calmette Hospital, Cambodia (host community partner) and NCCS, SingHealth (content partner) Mode: Online lectures. Attended by 14 radiation therapists, nurses and radiation oncologists from Calmette Hospital Topics discussed include patient safety, quality assurance, and site-specific treatment management
Quality Assurance Procedure for Linac and CT Simulator	Division of Radiation Oncology	Ongoing	Facilitate standardised training to promote systematic and quality training for Radiation Therapists	E-learning Modules Learning Outcome RTs can describe and perform machine warm up. Recognise and perform steps required for daily QA. Understand the requirement for QA competency

Dosimetrist/Planner Education Programmes

Programme Title	Department	Status	Objective	Synopsis
RT Basic Treatment Planning Programme	Division of Radiation Oncology (Basic Planner)	Ongoing	Provide clinical knowledge and practical training of the principles and practice of radiation therapy treatment planning at a fundamental level.	6-month programme For qualified Radiation Therapists to continue their training in the specialized field of medical dosimetry Programme graduates will possess the necessary skills and outcomes in basic treatment planning techniques. Learning outcomes Understand radiation treatment planning processes and planning services Understand the selection of appropriate margins to establish definitive planning target volumes and optimal treatment volumes. Independently and competently construct 3D Conformal treatment plans for at least one site of competency skills. Reflect on further optimization of treatment plans through the implementation of advanced or emerging technologies. Critically appraise treatment plans.
Medical Dosimetrist Residency Programme	Division of Radiation Oncology (Dosimetrist)	2021- current	To provide clinical knowledge and practical knowledge and practical training to residents for a clinical specialist role in medical dosimetry Provide structured clinical training that encourages evidence-based medicine and its practice in radiation oncology. Provide residency graduates with an understanding of the concepts and principles of medical dosimetry and cancer care, and to apply them to clinical situations. Promote professional values, life-long learning, critical thinking and attain problem-solving skills. Support the development of a diverse set of skills necessary to participate in current and emerging technologies in radiation oncology.	Formalized 2-year, postgraduate residency programme. Provides post-graduate skill-based training opportunities for radiation therapists to meet the demand in the health sector for medical dosimetry. Learning outcomes Possess the skills and competencies in fundamental clinical planning and advanced treatment planning techniques. Be able to practice independently and serve as a valuable resource for information, educating fellow healthcare professionals on related clinical practice. Build upon acquired research skills and be able to conduct future studies to advance the knowledge base in medical dosimetry. Be capable of conducting practice with a high level of professional autonomy, maturity, and leadership
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) credentialing, privileging and re-privileging criteria	Division of Radiation Oncology (Dosimetrist)	2023 – present	Develop an in-depth understanding of proton therapy treatment planning for disease subsites, incorporating pretreatment preparation, treatment planning principles, treatment delivery techniques and verification for proton treatments. Specific learning objectives Understand Pencil SFUD, IMPT for key sub-site identified. Understand treatment workflow of proton treatment – from immobilization to CT simulation, planning and treatment. Be familiar with proton planning of sub-site identified. Understand the uncertainties associated with proton therapy and strategies for their mitigation in treatment planning. Understand deformable registration, dose tracking, treatment adaptation and motion management strategy. Establish working protocols for treatment planning of sub site identified.	3-month local programme for Medical Dosimetrist across NCCS At the end of the programme, Dosimetrists will have the knowledge and skills to function as competent medical dosimetrists at an advanced level in proton therapy planning. Learner outcomes Competent dosimetrists must have completed the proctorship period in an accredited proton therapy centre, fulfilling the following criteria: Attended at least 1 month attachment in a clinically operational centre overseas or at least 3 months training at a local proton therapy centre under a credentialed medical dosimetrist or CQMP and Completed a Portfolio of evidence-based learning and reflection supported by competency assessment. Maintain a clinical log of minimum 40 clinically approved proton therapy plans. Attended at least one approved PBY course with documented proof of successful completion. Maintain clinical relevance through case presentations and peer review of practice yearly with Supervisor/Mentor

Medical Physicist Education

Programme Title	Department	Status	Objective	Synopsis
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Training and Credentialing Programme: Clinically Qualified Medical Physicist (CQMP)	Division of Radiation Oncology	June 2023 – Current	Develop an in-depth understanding of proton beam therapy treatment delivery for a series of disease sub sites, incorporating pretreatment preparation, patient education, treatment delivery techniques, motion management, image acquisition and verification for proton beam therapy treatments. Specific learning objectives: A deeper understanding on proton beam delivery Demonstrate competency in acceptance and beam commissioning. Demonstrate competency in PBT treatment planning procedure. Be familiar with safety measures emergency procedures and machine quality assurance checks	3 month local programme A competent CQMP IN Proton Therapy must have completed a period of proctorship in an accredited proton therapy centre, fulfilling either Criteria A or B as following: Criteria B (Local Proton Therapy Centre): Attended at least 3 months training at a local proton therapy centre under the supervision of a credentialed CQMP with documented proof of successful completion of attachment. Attended at least one approved proton beam therapy (PBT) course with documented proof of successful completion. Maintain clinical relevance through an entrustable professional activities which are observable and measurable clinical practice through competency assessments of practice with a credentialed CQMP: Acceptance and Beam Commissioning Physics QA and Calibration Treatment Planning and TPS Physics administration Maintenance and technical support monitoring Radiation safety and monitoring New Technology
Medical Physicist Residency Programme	Division of Radiation Oncology (Medical Physicist)	Ongoing	Provide clinical knowledge and practical training to residents for a role in medical physicist.	2-year, postgraduate programme Learning outcomes Graduates will possess the necessary skills and competence in fundamental medical physics and advanced treatment planning techniques. Practice independently and serve as a valuable resource for information, educating fellow healthcare professionals on related clinical practice. Build upon acquired research skills. Conduct future research studies to advance knowledge base in medical physics. Be capable of conducting practice with a high level of professional autonomy.