Creating a Master Plan for Radiation Therapists

Abstract

Purpose/Aim

Radiation therapists (RTTs) have increasingly been pursuing graduate (master’s) degrees in efforts to acquire additional knowledge and skills and advance their careers. At a system level, it is important to appreciate trends and interest in graduate education to better support RTTs’ needs and appreciate the shifting human health resources (HHR) landscape.

Methods/Process

A 20-item pan-Canadian survey was developed using Microsoft Forms, for both an environmental scan and needs assessment. The target population was all RTTs in Canada. Item format included multiple choice and Likert scales, as well as several open-ended comment questions. Following capture of basic demographics, the survey branched based on whether the respondent noted either possessing or currently pursuing a graduate degree, or never having commenced one. The former were asked to provide details of their degree. The latter were asked about interest in pursuing a graduate degree, priorities, and potential barriers. The survey was distributed electronically through various informal leadership lists and personal contacts with a request to cascade organically. The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics, with a thematic analysis conducted for open-ended responses. Comparisons were made between Canadian jurisdictions where relevant.

Results or Benefits/Challenges

A total of 465 valid responses were included in the analysis, representing a 16% response rate nationally (465/2860). Alberta (n=47,19%) and Ontario (n=212,19%) had the highest, and the Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan, n=25,15%) and Quebec (n=87,11%) had the lowest. The majority of respondents do not hold master’s degrees (n=363); others either hold them (n=66) or are in progress with them (n=36). The most-pursued degrees are an MSc/MHSc in a field related to radiation oncology (n=32,31%), an MSc/MHSc in a more generalized field (n=20,20%), and an MEd (n=16,16%). For those not possessing graduate degrees, 47% (n=169) claimed to be either extremely or somewhat interested in pursuing one in future. Of those interested, 65 (31%) expressed interest in pursuing a degree within 18 months and a further 70 (33%) within five years. This suggests that by 2030, there could be up to a 57% growth in the number of master’s-qualified RTTs. When asked about factors that impact the decision to undertake a graduate degree, 90% (n=312) of respondents indicated that work-life balance was ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important, followed by interest (n=271,79%) and cost (n=267,78%). When asked opinions about rationale for future degree selection, many anticipated the growth of advanced practice and other expertise within the RTT field, but this was countered by comments from other respondents that few opportunities for career advancement exist in RTT practice, creating a prominent barrier to pursuing additional education.

Conclusions/Impact

RTTs across the country are interested in graduate education, however there is concern about the lack of career opportunities that align with pursuing related opportunities. The impact of this will need to be monitored and provides context for future action plans to reduce the misalignment between RTTs’ desire to enhance their careers through advanced education and the actual career opportunities available in the sector.