January 3, 2014 — The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has launched its new educational series, Image-guided Radiation Therapy.
Comprised of eight courses, the series highlights the medical imaging technologies and techniques associated with image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The series provides radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists with the fundamental principles of IGRT and image-guided adaptive radiation therapy strategies.
According to Natasha Rosier, M.B.A., M.H.A., R.T., and radiation therapy manager, ASRT, the series is designed for any radiation therapist, medical dosimetrist or student seeking to learn more about the benefits and limitations of each IGRT option.
“Individuals who complete the courses will learn how each IGRT method works independently as well as in unison with other methods,” said Rosier. “The series will help radiation therapy professionals fine-tune their precision and ultimately help improve patient treatment.”
The series covers existing IGRT solutions and challenges including:
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Ultrasonography
- Portal imaging
- Internal and external fiducials and electromagnetic transponders
- Surface tracking
- Intrafraction monitoring
- Respiratory gating
The courses detail which technologies work well with specific regions of interest. In addition, they highlight the history, quality assurance, planning, physics and treatment implications behind each IGRT option. Each course is presented as a PDF so it can be easily printed or read on electronic devices.
Medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals can earn continuing education credit for completing the series. Participants who read all articles and successfully pass the accompanying quizzes will earn either 17 Category A+ or 18 MDCB CE credits and will receive a document from ASRT recognizing their achievement.
The ASRT also offers a non-CE credit institutional version for educators and managers who would like to use the series for educational purposes. The package includes eight articles, a test bank, student certificate, an image library and license for unlimited use in the classroom or institutional setting.
For more information: www.asrt.org
