Case studies : Treatment therapy radiographer: Alison

Alison has a degree in radiotherapy and oncology and works as a treatment therapy radiographer for the National Health Service.

I wanted to become a health care professional because I have always been interested in science and helping people. I had a particular interest in cancer and wanted to become involved in the treatment.

I was at college studying human biology, physical education and English literature when I visited a radiology department, not having heard about radiotherapy. I came away from the visit unimpressed and still not sure what I was going to do after college. I then got a letter from the radiotherapy department at James Cook University Hospital asking me to come and have a look around. As soon as I saw the radiotherapy department I wanted to be a therapy radiographer.

After obtaining my BSc (Hons) in radiotherapy and oncology from Sheffield Hallam University, I applied for jobs in several hospitals and got a job at James Cook University Hospital.

The skills I gained from my degree involved radiation physics, human biology, radiobiology and oncology. As well as developing science-based skills, I also developed patient care, which enabled me to use a holistic approach towards patients and increased my understanding of multidisciplinary professions.

My daily tasks include a 45-minute quality assurance check before any treatment can commence for the day. These checks include geometric checks and dose output recordings, which are very important as these demonstrate if the machine is delivering accurate treatment. We treat around 35 patients a day, each one with their own specific needs. Each patient has the opportunity to express any problems, physical and emotional, enabling us to give advice and assess whether the patient needs any intervention.

Within radiotherapy, we are currently utilising image guided radiotherapy, which involves a cone beam, a CT device rotating around the patient to produce a CT image. The image is interpreted by the radiographers and a decision is made as to whether the patient needs to be moved. I am also involved in more complex treatments such as stereotactic body radiotherapy, image guided radiotherapy and intense modulated radiotherapy, which needs constant training and self-directed learning.

I also work in the pre-treatment area of radiotherapy which involves patients having a CT scan for correct and suitable positioning, and to gain anatomical information which the doctor uses to outline the treatment area. IV contrast is also given to some patients by therapy radiographers to highlight a particular organ.

I get a lot of job satisfaction as there are always new techniques to learn each day. It is vital to continue learning new skills as a therapy radiographer due to the complex changes in radiotherapy, such as the development of the disease, and the new technology developed to treat cancer. I also enjoy the rapport I build with each patient, helping them through their treatment. I also have a good relationship with my colleagues and we all support each other, as at times the job can be difficult.

My advice if you are interested in radiotherapy as a career is to look out for open days in the radiotherapy departments and also information from careers advisers in college, university and schools.