Radiation Therapy

In New Zealand our Radiation Therapists have access to state-of-the-art technology throughout the country. The two main vendors being Varian and Elekta.

• Treatment machines include Varian True Beam and Halcyon and Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators, HDR Brachytherapy, superficial X-ray therapy machines. 
• Variety of Treatment Planning Systems including Eclipse, Raystation and Monaco
• Oncology Informatic Systems are Aria and Mosaiq

• In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers
• The Radiation Therapists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website
• Our workforce receives a minimum of four (4) weeks annual leave and usually work a set 40-hour week. Additional 5 days leave is provided, after 5 years’ service

• Each Centre has education and conference funding available to access.

• If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require an appropriate registration. This can take 3-4 months to complete so it is important to start this process early on.

• Medical Radiation Technologists Board
• Annual Practising Certificate

Internationally qualified candidates

In New Zealand, Radiation Therapists work in CT simulation, planning (dosimetry) and treatment areas. The MRTB may put some restrictions on your practising certificate if they assess that your equivalent qualification does not cover a full scope of practice.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) hours are a requirement of maintaining a practising certificate. In-house education is provided at most centres and Health New Zealand offers a wide range of training courses, particularly in communication, self-development, leadership and teamwork.

Other helpful links

• Professional Body - NZIMRT

• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and implementing the principles  

• Planning, delivering, and recording radiation treatment accurately and efficiently

• Providing information and education to patients and their family/whānau

• Assisting with clinical training and ongoing clinical assessment of Radiation Therapy students

• Involvement in quality improvement, research, and development activities

• Active involvement in the advancement of Radiation Therapy practice particularly implementation of new techniques e.g. SABR

• A variety of specialist Radiation Therapist roles throughout the country including Palliative care, on treatment review clinics, lymphedema, Māori health, supportive care, paediatric, adolescents and young adult, and Brachytherapy.