Radiation Therapist, Slovenia

Slovenia faces challenges at some of its cancer centers due to a shortage of RTT (Radiation Therapy Technologist) staff. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the rising incidence of new cases, increased treatment units, and more complex treatment methods demand additional staff. On the other hand, Slovenia's educational system trains RTTs within a combined program (with enrollment quotas that are significantly too low) alongside radiographers, leading many students to pursue further education directly after finishing their RTT studies, rather than entering the workforce as RTTs.

The limited enrollment of new students in the country's sole faculty for Health studies contrasts with the increasing number of cases and patients, and the increasing acquisition of new RT machines and the establishment of various diagnostic and medical centers. This growing gap between the demand for staff and their availability poses a significant challenge and is on the verge of influencing availability of radiotherapeutic cancer treatment in Slovenia. Due to the chronic lack of RTTs, cancer treatment equipment is not utilized as much as it could and should be. Much of it can only be used during a single shift instead of two shifts. This reduces the number of treatments provided daily, which causes longer waiting lists and less time for our education and training.

RTTs in Slovenia can only work as RTTs in two public hospitals, with salaries regulated by the state. However, the pay is not enough to attract professionals from related fields, so RTTs are left overworked and refusing to take on additional shifts. Furthermore, these professionals are experiencing more career fluctuation than previous years, making it difficult to remain in one field or in one department throughout a person's career.

Becoming an experienced RTT takes years, including the necessary ongoing medical education. However, this education comes at a high cost, including expenses for international congresses, on-site training, and more – and are not fully supported by employers, on top of the limited time restraints for education and training due to lack of RTTs.

Additionally, RTTs in Slovenia handle a growing number of administrative tasks related to radiotherapy, including scheduling, chart and prescription approval, data preparation, and other technical responsibilities. The demand for RTTs is increasing rapidly across all aspects of radiotherapy, further straining available resources

The profession demands reliability, self-organization, teamwork, empathy, communication skills, technical expertise, quick decision-making, and the ability to work in high-stress situations. RTTs are responsible for performing independent procedures in medicine, pressing the final button when delivering ionizing radiation, thereby carrying direct responsibility for its impact on a patient's health, which can even be life-threatening.

In conclusion, the RTT profession in Slovenia, given its demands and responsibilities, is underrated and undervalued – and the lack of RTTs is a direct consequence of this.