TEAP for Nuclear Medicine

Medical Physics is concerned with the application and development of the principles and techniques of physics to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease. The scientist entering this profession will normally have a good honours degree in physics from an Australian university or equivalent. Due to the autonomy of medical physics work in practice and highly specialised skills and knowledge required, a formal approach to the training of new entrants is necessary. In this way, a proper vocational foundation is ensured.  

To achieve competence in a sub-speciality of Medical Physics a five year program of education and training is considered necessary. Training schemes generally address the fields of Radiation Oncology Physics, Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology and  Radiation Safety. However in this document reference will only be made to Nuclear Medicine. Those candidates successfully completing the training scheme to the satisfaction of the ACPSEM  Professional Standards Board, are deemed to be competent to practice as Medical Physicists in their field of specialisation.  Candidates successfully completing the training scheme to the satisfaction of the PSB are deemed competent to work in their sub-specialty without supervision and will be eligible for Ordinary Membership of the ACPSEM, subject to satisfying all necessary criteria for membership.  The formal assessment process of accreditation is seen as a fundamental criterion for Ordinary Member status of ACPSEM.

In this document reference is made to structures that may be implemented for general accreditation. A Nuclear Medicine Physics Accreditation Panel / Board of Examiners has been established in parallel with those already established in other sub-disciplines. Accreditation currently addresses specific areas of radiotherapy and diagnostic radiology although the long-term goal is for these to develop further so as to provide more general accreditation relating to these areas. The details provided for Nuclear Medicine aim to satisfy general accreditation.
Training, Education and Accreditation: General Aspects
Professional Standards Board

The Professional Standards Board (PSB) of the ACPSEM administers the accreditation scheme. Additionally an Accreditation Panel of Examiners oversees the curriculum development and examination process for each sub-specialty. The elected chairperson for each Accreditation Panel represents that sub-specialty on the PSB.

Training and education

The mechanism of providing structured education and training in medical physics has been developed by the ACPSEM. Also the training scheme for Nuclear Medicine Physics has been developed under a grant from the ANZSNM. Training and education normally occupies five years and includes:
•    Completion of the coursework component of an ACPSEM accredited Masters course or equivalent (or sitting an independent exam in general medical physics at Masters level)
•    Completion of training modules that develop competence in various aspects of nuclear medicine physics
•    Demonstration of experience in project development and /or research.

The current training syllabus for Nuclear Medicine Physicists (NMP) defines the set of competencies that should be acquired by physicists working in nuclear medicine and forms the basis for a set of defined tasks that trainees / registrars in nuclear medicine should complete. The mechanisms for undertaking education and training are outlined below.

Implementation of the training and education scheme

General education

Nuclear Medicine Physicists should have a basic degree in Physics or Engineering (or equivalent) and should then complete the coursework component of an accredited Medical Physics Masters program, which is normally assessed by formal examination. Persons who have not completed a general course will be expected to sit examinations in general medical physics at Masters level. The coursework component will normally occupy one year. Trainees are expected to undertake a research project so as to complete a postgraduate degree (either Masters or PhD). Completion of a PhD may extend beyond the period of training. Note that persons who have not completed a relevant first degree will not be accredited unless they have undertaken an appropriate bridging course.

In-service training

Trainees in Nuclear Medicine must gain experience in a clinical department for a period not normally less than three years, and commonly for four years. During this period the trainee would normally be assigned clinical duties or projects under supervision, which would develop general skills. However the trainee will also be expected to complete a program of formal training following the nuclear medicine training syllabus. A set of modules is available which define tasks that expose the individual to the expected advanced knowledge and competencies that are assessed as a requirement of accreditation. The training syllabus is expected to occupy 2 years but can be completed over an extended period. In addition the trainee must undertake and document research or development projects occupying further 2 years. Research work undertaken as part of the requirements for a postgraduate degree may be eligible (provided at least one year is in a clinical setting).

Applications

Trainees registering with the ACPSEM need to demonstrate their eligibility at the time of application and identify a clinical supervisor (an accredited nuclear medicine physicist preferably, but not necessarily, working in the same department as the trainee). The trainee and clinical supervisor must present a training plan that confirms the trainee has access to time and resources to undertake the training program (verified by the head of department) and verifies the availability of the supervisor. An external assessor will be appointed to oversee the individual trainee’s progress, with responsibility to report back to the Accreditation Panel. A fee is payable for persons undertaking the complete training program (which includes the accreditation fee normally charged). Fractional fees will be defined for individuals undertaking only part of the training program. Advice on fee structure will be supplied separately. Applications should be submitted to the ACPSEM General Manager who will forward the documents to the persons responsible for coordinating the training program. Approval from the ACPSEM should be obtained before commencing a training program.

Download the TEAP application form

 

Advice to trainees / registrars

The aim of the training modules that have been developed is to assist trainees in gaining the breadth of experience necessary to take a position of responsibility in nuclear medicine physics. The modules are designed to guide the trainee through a set of tasks that have been designed to expose the trainee to the requisite skills and knowledge base. The advice on preparing reports will result in a portfolio that records the range of experience, which would normally meet accreditation requirements. Trainees completing the training program would therefore be expected to be eligible for accreditation, provided they have worked in a clinical department and had opportunity for project development and /or research for the required period. Trainees should therefore regard the program as a means of aiding their development of competencies rather than as a continual test of their ability. Trainees who encounter difficulties or require additional information or advice should contact the Nuclear Medicine Training Coordinator.

Marissa Bartlett, ACPSEM TEAP Coordinator (Nuclear Medicine)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For general enquiries please contact Amy Milner in the ACPSEM Office This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it