A Radiation Therapy Venipuncture Certification Education Program

The Tom Baker Cancer Center (TBCC) is located in Calgary, Alberta, and employs 80 radiation therapists. The province of Alberta currently has two facilities that offer radiation therapy services. In 2006-2007, approximately 2,800 new and repeat patients received care at the TBCC. The Radiation Treatment Program (RTP) annually performs between 220 and 240 intravenous procedures using contrast media. Radiation therapists are licensed to practice through the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT). In 2007, a radiation therapy venipuncture certification process was developed to implement an extended role for radiation therapists, allowing them to perform venipuncture. Using an algorithm as a design tool, the RTP radiation therapist educators created a locally based education and experiential learning certification program for radiation therapists endorsed by the RTP administration and the ACMDTT. Included in this article is a description and explanation of the algorithm design, an outline of the RTP radiation therapy venipuncture certification process, and a discussion on possible future research areas to further support the validity of an algorithm as a design tool.