Research Article

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION

Volume: 33 Number: 1 April 1, 2024
TR EN

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the practical training provided by associate degree programs in radiotherapy education in the United States, as well as the preparedness of students for internships and their post-internship learning levels. A total of 317 participants, including both face-to-face and online students, as well as graduates of the radiotherapy program, completed a survey consisting of 68 questions. Of the participants, 66.2% were female (n=210) and 33.8% were male (n=107). Lab facilities are available at institutions where the majority of participants (70.3%) have received education. Binary logistic regression tests were used to investigate whether there was a difference between the pre- and post-internship status. It was statistically significant that interns who had experienced professional growth prior to the internship performed better in achieving such gains after the internship (p < 0.05). The rate of error among participants who underwent laboratory training was 58.4% lower, and the time it took for them to begin working with patients independently was 61.1% less compared to those who were trained in an educational institution with inadequate practical training. Our survey underscores the significance of both theoretical and hands-on training in the education of radiotherapy technicians. Starting internships with theoretical training in a laboratory environment reinforces students' knowledge and improves their success during the internship. This type of training also enhances self-confidence, strengthens their connection to their profession, and prepares them for professional life after graduation.

Keywords

Thanks

We thank the participants who volunteered to participate in this study, and the Radiotherapy Technicians Association (RTT-Der) and individuals who helped this study reach participants.

References

  1. Becerir HB, Gurdalli S, Yapici B, et al. Radiotherapyequipment and work force in Turkey. Turk J Oncol. 2021;36(4):512-518. doi:10.5505/tjo.2021.2896
  2. All Universities with Radiotherapy Programs. Higher Education Institution. https://yokatlas. yok.gov.tr/onlisans-program.php?b=30061. Published 2022. Accessed May 21, 2023.
  3. Yenal S, Gultekin T. Sağlık hizmetleri meslek yüksekokulu son sınıf öğrencilerinin klinik uygulamalarda karşılaştıkları güçlükler. İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi. 2019;7(1):58-66. doi:10.33715/inonusaglik.5475 51
  4. De Almeida RPP, Da Silva CA, Da CostaVicente BI, Abrantes AFCL, Azevedo KB. The paradigm shift in medical imaging education and training in Europe. IJIET. 2022;12(4):326-332. doi:10.18178/ijiet.20 22.12.4.1622
  5. Yüksel A. Sağlık hizmetleri meslek yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin uygulamalı derslere ilişkin görüşleri. JOHSE. 2018;2(2):72-77. doi:10.26567/JOHSE. 2018250153
  6. Flinton D. Competency based assessment using a virtual environment for radiotherapy. Procedia Comput Sci. 2013;25:399-401. doi:10.1016/j. procs.2013.11.049
  7. Hosgor H. Sağlık hizmetleri alanında sanal gerçekliğin kullanımı: Türkiye ve dünyadan örnekler. Fenerbahçe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2022;2(3):647-660. doi:10.56061/fbujohs.11519 00
  8. Tunc Y, Dal M. Sağlık hizmetleri meslek yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin yaz stajı Hakkındaki Görüş ve Önerileri: Iğdır Üniversitesi örneği. Researcher: Social Science Studies. 2018;6(3):377-403. doi:10. 18301/rss.683

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Radiation Therapy, Health Physics, Medical Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

April 2, 2024

Publication Date

April 1, 2024

Submission Date

July 27, 2023

Acceptance Date

November 20, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 33 Number: 1

APA
Şenışık, A. M. (2024). THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 33(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.34108/eujhs.1333597
AMA
1.Şenışık AM. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2024;33(1):15-24. doi:10.34108/eujhs.1333597
Chicago
Şenışık, Ahmet Murat. 2024. “THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION”. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 33 (1): 15-24. https://doi.org/10.34108/eujhs.1333597.
EndNote
Şenışık AM (April 1, 2024) THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 33 1 15–24.
IEEE
[1]A. M. Şenışık, “THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION”, Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 15–24, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.34108/eujhs.1333597.
ISNAD
Şenışık, Ahmet Murat. “THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION”. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 33/1 (April 1, 2024): 15-24. https://doi.org/10.34108/eujhs.1333597.
JAMA
1.Şenışık AM. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2024;33:15–24.
MLA
Şenışık, Ahmet Murat. “THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION”. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 33, no. 1, Apr. 2024, pp. 15-24, doi:10.34108/eujhs.1333597.
Vancouver
1.Ahmet Murat Şenışık. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP IN RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION. Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2024 Apr. 1;33(1):15-24. doi:10.34108/eujhs.1333597