Has qualification become too academic?
I have just qualified as a Therapeutic Rad. Throughout my course I became increasingly frustrated at the lack of focus on the skills I actually need as a B5 Rad. The uni were obsessed with academic skills. The lecturers hadn't worked in radiotherapy for years and of course they are very research focused. But this is being reflected in the course they deliver. Almost half of my credits were assignments that were focused on how to do research, with radiotherapy being a secondary focus.
When I raised this with them the response I got was that they needed to prepare us for more senior positions that may involve research. But surely their focus should be on producing good B5s?
I just really feel there's a huge disconnect between the role, which is very practical, very hands-on, very person-centred and the way the university attempts to prepare people for those demands. I'm coming to the conclusion that the degree route just isn't right for this kind of job.
Interestingly some of the best rads I have worked with scraped thirds in their degree. Which then makes me wonder about all the people who might make really good rads but find it blocked because they can't achieve the academic requirements.
Just wondering what others think and if you have similar or different experiences of this.