Have you ever wondered what it’s like to relocate to Canada as a dosimetrist and be able to practice there? We got you! Dosimetrists have an essential role in helping to manage radiation therapy for medical patients. Their primary role is to determine the proper radiation dosage to treat cancer.
Before pursuing this medical specialization, it is essential to understand how to relocate to Canada as a dosimetrist. Dosimetrists are trained professionals who understand the characteristics and operation of radiation oncology treatments. They also need to have expertise in calculating the appropriate radiation dosage.
In this article, we will take you through the necessary routes to relocate to Canada as a dosimetrist and provide details about their salary and work environment.
What is a Dosimetrist?
Dosimetrists are medical professionals who specialize in radiation oncology and help care for cancer patients. They apply the necessary radiation dose to cure affected body parts using various specialized medical equipment.
Dosimetrists often explain the procedure to patients and answer any questions they may have before treatment commences. In addition, they may collaborate with physicians to ascertain the required amount of radiation and duration of treatment.
They usually ensure the safety of patients during treatment and the effectiveness of the equipment. Once treatment is over, they monitor patients closely for any harmful side effects. They also ensure detailed records of all treatments they administer are kept.
What Does a Dosimetrist do?
As a dosimetrist, you’ll need to deliver the dose of radiation prescribed by a radiation oncologist to the patient. Using a computer with 3D imaging software, you can contour the patient’s organs on a treatment-planning C.T. scan.
Also, you may have to perform image fusion using C.T., M.R.I., or PET/CT to help the radiation oncologist identify the tumor’s location. After that, you’ll develop a 3D conformal or intensity-modulated radiation therapy plan and recognize an arrangement of beams to apply the radiation to the patient’s tumor/cancer cells.
However, you must be careful to minimize damage to the normal organs. The medical team will carry out physics calculations, while the radiation oncologist and dosimetrist will examine the dose for the organs and tumor at risk. Once the radiation oncologist has approved the course of treatment, you, as the dosimetrist, will prepare it based on instructions.
In addition, you’ll collaborate with the radiation therapist when the treatment plan is due to be administered. You may also assist medical physicists in quality assurance procedures, train dosimetry students, and work with research teams to enhance the success of radiation therapies.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Dosimetrist
- They practice radiation protection methods to minimize radiation exposure to patients, staff, and visitors.
- They also monitor, perform, or assist in simulations and tumor localization using imaging devices, such as P.E.T., M.R.I., and C.T.
- Furthermore, they will plan, fabricate, and apply compensation for custom shields, wedges, filters, and other beam-modifying devices.
- They oversee or help develop, produce, and apply casts, molds, and other immobilization devices.
- In addition, they often carry along the radiation therapy technologist and other radiation oncology team members and explain the treatment plan.
- Also, they assist in brachytherapy procedures by conducting dose calculations and designing a treatment plan for the patient.
- They must accurately document a patient’s electronic medical record.
Different Routes to Relocate to Canada as a Dosimetrist
Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you are a foreign skilled worker who wishes to relocate to Canada as a dosimetrist, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (F.S.W.P.) may be the best option! The F.S.W.P. allows candidates with work experience and no connection to Canada or job offers to apply for permanent residence. This program is primarily designed for skilled workers who can use their foreign work experience, education, language skills, and other human capital factors to establish themselves economically in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program
There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada, most of which administer the PNP. This program allows each province and territory to design their immigration pathways based on economic and demographic needs. Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers for immigration to their respective jurisdictions.
Foreign candidates may be able to apply to relocate to Canada as a dosimetrist directly through a PNP, provided they meet eligibility criteria. They may also enter the Express Entry pool and be invited to apply for nomination by a province that will select candidates from the federal pool.
Average Salary for Dosimetrists
Dosimetrists’ salaries may vary widely based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and employer. According to glassdoor.com, medical dosimetrists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $157,000. However, those working in government and Veterans Affairs hospitals earn more than those working in private and nonprofit hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics.
Dosimetrist Skills
1. Knowledge of clinical oncology: To design a treatment plan for patients, you will need a deep understanding of radiation therapy and clinical oncology. Likewise, you must be able to analyze test results and understand the body mechanisms behind a patient’s reaction to radiation therapy.
2. Mathematics: Complex computations are an essential part of radiation treatment, and they require accurate figures for dosage, equipment angles, and exposure time. As a dosimetrist, you’ll need mathematical skills to generate and interpret 3D visualizations.
3. Teamwork: You may have to collaborate with other medical personnel, such as medical physicists, radiation therapists, and physicians. Therefore, it’s essential to communicate well and execute details accurately to arrive at a smooth implementation of treatment plans.
4. Problem-solving: When creating patient treatment plans, dosimetrists must consider several factors and examine risks to obtain the most effective method. Additionally, they must adjust their strategy in case of unpredictable results.
5. Listening and communication: Excellent listening and communication skills are essential for a dosimetrist. First, you must listen carefully to the physician and radiation oncologist to understand treatment goals. Then, you must accurately record the treatment plan and explain it to the radiation therapist in charge of implementing it.
Working Environment of a Dosimetrist
Medical dosimetrists generally work 40 hours/week in a hospital, cancer treatment center, or physician’s office. They plan radiation therapy procedures and maintain a regular work schedule.
Also, they are primarily on their feet for hours and may have to turn or lift patients who need support. Since they work with radiation and radioactive equipment, they usually follow strict safety procedures to avoid exposure to harmful radiation. As such, they must stay in a different room while the patient undergoes radiation treatment.
Becoming a Dosimetrist in Canada
Earn a High School Diploma
Dosimetrists must first obtain a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate, allowing them to enroll in a higher education program. Furthermore, if your school has a vocational course in nursing, you can take it to acquire some foundational knowledge of patient care. Physics, biology, and math courses may be helpful in training for your future career.
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Dosimetrists must obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical dosimetry or a related field. Some employers may also request a master’s degree. Meanwhile, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in medical dosimetry can take four to five years.
A master’s degree can take two to three years to complete. Most dosimetry programs include courses in radiation therapy physics, radiation oncology, medical imaging, and cross-sectional anatomy. These programs also include math and science courses to prepare you for calculating dosage.
Complete a Training Program
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can complete a medical dosimetry training program that is J.R.C.E.R.T. accredited. Training programs for dosimetrists include courses in human anatomy, brachytherapy dosimetry, clinical radiation oncology and radiation, and cancer biology. Clinical practicums, which offer firsthand experience with patients in an actual radiology oncology department, are also included in these programs.
Obtain Certifications
- Certified Medical Dosimetrist: The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (M.D.C.B.) provides this certification to demonstrate a broad-based knowledge of dosimetry. To obtain this certification, you must first acquire a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program—a JRCERT-accredited program of at least 12 months. You’ll also be required to pass a multiple-choice examination, which you have three attempts to pass every two years. A withdrawal or absence from any examination doesn’t count as an attempt.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.) certification: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists provides this certification to acknowledge individuals eligible for the role of a medical dosimetrist. Every state has medical dosimetrist licensing regulations, and most require A.R.R.T. licensing. However, checking the requirements for the state where you want to practice is essential. To earn A.R.R.T. certification, you must complete an educational, ethical, and examination component.
Earn Continuing Education Credits
The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (M.D.C.B.) annually requires certified medical dosimetrists to renew their credentials. They must also earn at least 50 continuing education credits every five years. Some options to earn these credits include:
- Taking college courses that are related to the practice of medical dosimetry.
- Taking pre-approved dosimetry-related equipment applications training courses.
- Completing directed readings.
- Also, writing items for the M.D.C.B. exam.
- Authoring journals.
- Taking lectures, seminars, or webinars that the M.D.C.B. approves.
Find a Job and Gain Valuable Experience
Employment opportunities exist in Industries such as radiation centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Once you gain some experience in the field, you can advance to an administrative position.
These positions include chief radiation therapist, dosimetry or radiation department manager, and chief medical dosimetrist. They are all administrative roles that can help you advance as a medical dosimetrist. Another potential avenue for advancement is in hospital administration.