Evaluation of selection criteria for graduate students in radiation therapy

Abstract

Selection of suitable students into graduate medical and specialist health professional courses can be difficult. Historically, selection of students was primarily based on prior academic performance. Recently, however, more emphasis has been placed on considering broader academic backgrounds and personal characteristics and attitudes of students, but no reliable measurement tool is available to predict student success and satisfaction with their choice of profession. The aim of this study was to survey practising radiation therapists in Australia to seek their opinions regarding suitable selection criteria for graduate entry radiation therapy (RT) students in order to optimize selection procedures for future applicants. Four hundred questionnaires were sent to nine RT centres in three states within Australia. All nine clinics participated in the survey and 189 questionnaires were returned. Results show that the majority of radiation therapists place a high level of importance upon a sound knowledge of physics and mathematics, as well as life experience, and agree that a visit to an RT clinic plus an interview comprise important components of the selection process. Humanities, psychology and a psychometric test were not viewed as essential entry requirements. Experienced radiation therapists placed less value on academic performance in the primary degree and were more likely to include an interview as a selection criterion than junior practitioners. Empathy for patients was identified as the most important personal attribute. It is thus recommended that not only cognitive but also personal skills be evaluated during the selection of prospective radiation therapists.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michal Schneider-Kolsky

MICHAL SCHNEIDER-KOLSKY, PhD, is senior lecturer and head of research at the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences at Monash University. Research interests include: musculoskeletal imaging of sports injuries, bioeffects of doppler ultrasound during pregnancy and postgraduate education of health professionals, especially implementation of evidence-based practice and research in clinical practice.

Caroline Wright

CAROLINE WRIGHT, radiation therapist, is Convenor of the Master of Radiation Therapy at the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Monash University. Research interests include the notion of fitness to practice and the implementation of evidence-based practice in radiation therapy.

Marilyn Baird

MARILYN BAIRD, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences at Monash University. Her research interests include development of optimal educational and assessment tools for radiography and radiation therapy students, in particular student-orientated learning using online resources and role extension of radiographers.