Linac Networking, DICOM-RT, TPS & R&V Integration

Syllabus

# LNA 110 - Linac Networking, DICOM-RT, TPS & R&V Integration

## Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of medical linear accelerator (Linac) networking, focusing on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine for Radiotherapy (DICOM-RT), Treatment Planning Systems (TPS), and Record and Verify (R&V) systems. Students will learn to interpret DICOM-RT objects, understand data flow between oncology information systems, and troubleshoot network-related issues impacting Linac operations. The curriculum emphasizes vendor-neutral principles, ensuring technicians can effectively integrate, maintain, and diagnose complex radiotherapy network infrastructures. Practical skills include system configuration verification, data integrity checks, and fault isolation techniques essential for ensuring patient safety and treatment accuracy in a clinical environment.

## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
*   Describe the architecture and data flow within a typical radiotherapy oncology information system network.
*   Interpret the structure and content of common DICOM-RT objects, including RT Structure Set, RT Plan, and RT Dose.
*   Explain the interface mechanisms and data exchange protocols between Treatment Planning Systems (TPS) and Record and Verify (R&V) systems.
*   Perform basic network configuration verification and diagnostic procedures relevant to Linac connectivity.
*   Identify and isolate common network faults affecting DICOM-RT communication and system integration.
*   Apply safety protocols and best practices for maintaining data integrity and system reliability in a radiotherapy environment.

## Topics by Week
*   **Week 1:** Introduction to Radiotherapy Network Architecture
*   **Week 2:** Fundamentals of DICOM and DICOM-RT
*   **Week 3:** DICOM-RT Objects: Structure Set and Image
*   **Week 4:** DICOM-RT Objects: RT Plan and RT Dose
*   **Week 5:** Treatment Planning System (TPS) Overview and Interfaces
*   **Week 6:** Record and Verify (R&V) Systems: Functionality and Integration
*   **Week 7:** Data Flow and Workflow in Radiotherapy Networks
*   **Week 8:** Network Protocols and Services for Radiotherapy Systems
*   **Week 9:** Cybersecurity Principles in Radiotherapy Networks
*   **Week 10:** Troubleshooting DICOM-RT Communication Issues
*   **Week 11:** Network Fault Isolation and Diagnostic Tools
*   **Week 12:** System Integration Testing and Validation
*   **Week 13:** Midterm Review
*   **Week 14:** Final Exam Review

## Grading
*   Knowledge Checks: 15%
*   Assignments and Labs: 30%
*   Quizzes: 25%
*   Final Exam: 30%

## Policies
Attendance and active participation are expected. All assignments must be submitted by their due dates. Academic integrity is paramount; plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action. Students requiring accommodations should contact the disability services office.