Staying up-to-date through distance education: the radiation therapy perspective.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Distance education (DE) courses are offered to medical radiation technologists (therapy) [MRT(T)] in Canada for professional development (PD). METHODS: A survey of 300 therapists was conducted to identify potential participants and factors that can influence DE participation and learning. RESULTS: The motivation to take PD is intrinsic, for personal growth and fulfillment, rather than to satisfy employment or provincial requirements. There is interest in DE because of its accessibility. Work constraints appear to be more restrictive than domestic ones and little support for PD is perceived from the cancer centers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise implications for professional development in cancer centers that are broader than the original objective of optimizing course design.