ARPANSA runs the Practical Reference Dosimetry Course for external beam radiotherapy. Running over four days, the course covers the theory and provide hands-on experience in all areas of radiation dosimetry for external beams.
The dates for the 2025 Practical Reference Dosimetry Course are 31 March to 3 April 2025 (please note change to date originally advertised).
The course is aimed at experienced ROMPs (Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists), registrars and qualified medical physicists seeking a refresher course, concentrating on TRS-398 Revision 1 and TG-61. The course is hands-on as well as delving into the physics behind the protocols.
The four day course consists of lectures by ARPANSA staff and senior hospital physicists and includes eight practical sessions with a formal assessment at the end of each day. A certificate will be presented upon successful completion of the course.
At the end of the course, students will:
- have a good fundamental theoretical and practical understanding of all aspects of reference dosimetry for kV X-rays, high-energy photons, and electrons
- be familiar with the Australian primary standards for air kerma and absorbed dose to water used in reference dosimetry, their units and uncertainties
- understand the ACPSEM-recommended codes of practice for kV X-rays, MV photons and electrons, and their practical application to clinical beams
- understand correction factors and be able to calculate uncertainties in reference dosimetry.
Topics include:
- Quantities and units
- Uncertainty calculations and reporting uncertainties
- Dosimetry protocols for kV and MV photons and MV MeV electrons (TRS-398 Revision 1, TG-61)
- Measuring beam quality index, output, and output factors
- Primary standards
- Legal metrology and regulatory framework
- Understanding your equipment
- Ion chamber theory
- Small field dosimetry
This course is held on an annual basis and is approved for 40 CPD points.
Contact psdl@arpansa.gov.au for more information.
Register for ARPANSA's Practical Reference Dosimetry Course 2025 here.
