Get into radiotherapy careers: a virtual reality workplace experience
Radiotherapy services across the UK continue to face significant workforce challenges, with national shortages affecting clinical oncologists, therapeutic radiographers, clinical scientists, technologists and engineers. Traditional careers engagement methods often struggle to convey the technological nature of radiotherapy, particularly in non-clinical settings such as schools, careers fairs and public events.
In response, the East of England, Northern, and Yorkshire and Humber Radiotherapy Networks collaborated to develop Get Into Radiotherapy Careers, a virtual reality (VR) workplace experience designed to provide an immersive introduction to working in the industry. Funded through NHS England Service Development Funding, the project uses 360 degree video filmed in real NHS radiotherapy departments, allowing users to explore key clinical and technical environments, including the linac treatment room, CT scanner, treatment planning areas, clinics and engineering workshops. Voiceovers, information overlays and staff case studies highlight the range of professional roles and career pathways within radiotherapy.
The VR experience was developed through engagement with radiotherapy professionals and was piloted in 2024. Since its launch, it has been used at a wide range of outreach events, including school visits, careers fairs, university open days and public STEM events, with more than 300 people using the experience within the first six months. Feedback from participants and event hosts has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting an increased awareness of radiotherapy careers.
This article describes the development, implementation and early impact of the VR workplace experience, reflects on lessons learned and considers the potential role of immersive technologies in supporting future workforce recruitment and engagement across radiotherapy services.
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