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- Title
Radiation Therapy: Occupation or Profession?
- Authors
Ekmekci, Ozgur; L. Turley, Catherine
- Abstract
Purpose To analyze the current boundaries of the radiation therapy profession, as perceived by directors of accredited radiation therapy programs, and to propose recommendations that might guide future research and practice so that these boundaries may be expanded. Methods Eighty-one study participants were recruited from a convenience sample of radiation therapy program directors listed on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology website. The Web survey was grounded in Pavalko's occupational-professional model. Each dimension was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale. Results Participants indicated radiation therapy has a sound theory and intellectual technique, inherently contains relevant social values in its practice, is guided by a well-developed code of ethics, has a fairly high sense of community, and offers its members autonomy. Discussion Radiation therapy is closer to being a profession than an occupation. The strong sense of community likely will continue to be the main driver of professional development in the 21st century. As radiation therapy continues to evolve, modifying current training protocols - including teaching more critical-thinking and decision-making skills - may help solidify its place as a profession. Conclusion Pavalko's occupational-professional continuum offers goals to which radiation therapists can aspire. Based on the findings of this study, extending the training period for radiation therapists and promoting the professional values of service and lifelong commitment may extend the boundaries of radiation therapy toward its professional aspirations.
- Subjects
UNITED States; ALLIED health personnel; AUTONOMY (Psychology); EMPLOYEES; EXPERIENCE; ALLIED health education; PROFESSIONAL ethics; PROFESSIONS; RADIOLOGIC technologists; RADIOTHERAPY; RESEARCH; STATISTICAL sampling; SCALE analysis (Psychology); SCALES (Weighing instruments); STATISTICAL hypothesis testing; SURVEYS; CERTIFICATION; PROFESSIONAL practice; PROFESSIONALISM; EDUCATIONAL attainment; DATA analysis software; DESCRIPTIVE statistics
- Publication
Radiation Therapist, 2012, Vol 21, Issue 2, p119
- ISSN
1084-1911
- Publication type
Article