Radiation Protection Training Course

Course dates

April 2026 dates TBC

Venue

The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, UK.

Course overview

The course is organised by the Joint Department of Physics of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research.

The course provides the theoretical background and training necessary for the radiological protection requirements of both ionising and non-ionising radiations used in hospitals. Although derived from an international framework the course content centres on UK Legislation

The main 4 day module (Monday until Thursday) covers the following subject areas: radiation risks, dosimetry, biological effects, instrumentation, legislation, transport, emergencies, and safe practice in the medical uses of ionising radiations.

The additional (optional) 1 day module on Friday covers non-ionising radiation protection. As well as lectures, there will be small informal workshop sessions covering a range of practical issues.

The course is at a level suitable for hospital physicists working in the field of radiation protection or those who want to expand their knowledge in this field. It is particularly suitable for those wishing to become Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and covers the Basic Underpinning Knowledge (Basic Syllabus) as set out in Annex 3 of the HSE statement on Radiation Protection Advisers.

Those wishing to use the course towards RPA certification can sit an optional marked short exam.

This is a CPD course approved by IPEM.

Provisional lecture list

Day 1: Review and effects of radiation

Radiation protection framework
Interactions and units
Instrumentation
Sources of exposure
Risks and effects
RP Culture & Ethics

Day 2: Statutory requirements

IRR17
IR(ME)R17
Transport Regulations
Other legislation and guidance

Day 3: Radiation protection in hospitals

Diagnostic radiology
External beam radiotherapy
Brachytherapy
Nuclear medicine
PET & Cyclotrons

Day 4: The role of the RPA & Emergencies

Radiation Incidents and Emergencies
Giving Sound RPA Advice
RPA certification
Guest lecture
Optional Assessment

Day 5: Non-Ionising radiation protection (optional)

Safety issues in MRI
Ultrasound
Ultra-violet
Medical lasers
Microwave and RF lasers

Days 1–4 Workshops

RPA Role play
Risk assessments
RPA Auditing
RPA Case Studies

(The organisers may need to alter the final programme to fulfil practical commitments.)

Registration & Course fees

Registration Form

All current course registration fees are given on our registration form.

The cost includes lunches and light refreshments. Lecture notes and a certificate of attendance are provided. A course meal is included on the first evening of the course.

Please note – a discount applies to payments received by 28th February 2025.

You will be allocated a place on receipt of a completed registration form and a valid quoted payment reference/purchase order or completed bank transfer. We are unable to accept provisional bookings.

Early booking is advised as the number of participants is limited to provide a friendly open forum for debate and to assist in the running of the workshops. Applications from outside the UK are welcome.

Closing date for registrations – 11 April 2025