In-Depth Look at Radiation Therapist Education and Training in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey.

Abstract

Radiation therapy technologists (RTTs) are central to safe and effective cancer care, yet little is known about the education and training of RTTs in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the current status of RTT education and training in the country, identify existing gaps, and compare the findings with regional and international benchmarks. A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 5, 2025, to August 15, 2025, targeting RTTs across Saudi Arabia. The survey collected demographic data, educational and training experience, and institutional curriculum information. Seventy RTTs responded (41% response rate). Among the respondents, 60% were female and 40% male. The majority (64.3%) were Saudi nationals, whereas the remaining 35.7% were non-Saudis. Most respondents held bachelor's degrees (78.6%) and had completed clinical placements for at least 12 months (71.4%). A total of 54.5% of the institutions reported implementing the International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines, either fully or partially. Most RTTs (67.4%) received their education abroad, primarily from the United Kingdom and Australia, although domestic training is gradually expanding. Most respondents worked in major urban centers, with workforce distribution concentrated in Riyadh and Jeddah. RTT education in Saudi Arabia shows encouraging trends in clinical placement and formal education duration; however, challenges persist regarding curriculum standardization and integration of international guidelines. This study underscores the pressing need to develop a unified national curriculum, enhance faculty development, and expand RTTs' opportunities for professional growth nationwide.