title: Establishing radiation therapy advanced practice in New Zealand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advanced practice (AP) is of increasing interest to many radiation therapists (RTs) both nationally and internationally. In New Zealand, initial research (2005-2008) showed strong support for the development of an AP role for medical radiation technologists (MRTs). Here, we report on a nationwide survey in which RTs validated and prioritised nine AP profiles for future development.
  
  
  METHODS
  All registered RTs in New Zealand (n = 260) were invited to take part in a survey in December 2011; 73 of whom returned a complete response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RTs supported the implementation of AP roles in New Zealand and the requirement of a Master's degree qualification to underpin clinical knowledge. Most RTs endorsed the criteria attributed to each of the nine proposed AP profiles. The study identified that activities may qualify as either advanced practice or standard practice depending on the department. All participants agreed that an advanced practitioner should be a leader in the field, able to initiate and facilitate future developments within as well as outside this specific role. Acceptance of the AP roles by RTs and other health professionals as well as the availability of resources for successful implementation, were concerns expressed by some RTs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors recommend (1) the development of one scope of practice titled 'advanced practitioner' with generic and specialist criteria for each profile as the future career pathway, (2) promotion and support for the AP pathway by the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology and the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jasperse
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Patries
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herst
authors.affiliation: University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yielder
keywords: Advanced practice; postgraduate qualification; profile criteria; radiation therapist