Linear Accelerator Technician Education & Training

Course Overview

The beginner medical linac service technician is an online training module where students will learn basic principles of medical linear accelerators and cancer center operations. It is a self-paced course with email access to an instructor. It consists of readings, videos, and online labs. Students will familiarize themselves with the course materials over six weeks.

Module 1 (1 week online):

The student will review descriptions of the components used in a medical linear accelerator, be shown the differences between the two principal manufacturers, and discover how each component contributes to the creation of a high-energy radiation beam that is used in cancer treatment. The students will also be exposed to other components with the medical linear accelerator that are needed to position patients and orient the radiation beam.

Module 2 (3 weeks online):

Students will review how the basic medical linac components interact with each other to produce a high-energy radiation beam. The students will use a simulator environment demonstrating how each device’s configuration contributes to the overall x-ray beam generation.

Module 3 (2 weeks online):

Students will be exposed to the cancer center environment, the role of radiation in cancer treatment, the roles of the service technician and other professionals in the cancer center, and other professional practice considerations related to the role of medical linear accelerator service technician.

Prerequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Module 1:

At the completion of module 1, students will be able to identify the major components that are used in medical linear accelerators and differentiate between those needed for electron beam acceleration, photon beam generation, and positioning the patient in a radiation beam.

Module 2:

At the completion of module 2, students will use a basic simulation program to explore different configurations of the medical linear accelerator. The student will configure operating parameters of major linear accelerator components and view their effect on the radiation beam properties.

Module 3:

At the completion of module 3, students have been exposed to the key job roles in a cancer center and the relationship to the medical linac service technician. A typical management structure of a cancer center is demonstrated; as well, students will be aware of the major safety hazards involved in servicing medical linear accelerators and will interpret ethical requirements when working with patients and other medical professionals.