Physics Associates – Not Just the Hired Help

Results of the 2010 COMP Survey of Physics Associates in Canada

Silvia Neuteboom, B. Sc, Physics Technologist, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center

Originally published in the October 2011 volume of COMP’s magazine, InterActions.

In June 2010, for the first time, COMP conducted a survey of physics associates (aka physics technologists, assistants, and/or technicians) across Canada. The purpose was to obtain baseline information about the professional experience and status of these members of the medical physics community. PAs play an essential role in quality assurance, radiation safety, and other areas, especially in larger treatment centers where the demands on physics resources are intensive. As such, it is in the interests of COMP to have an understanding of the professional make-up of this group, and of the work challenges PAs face. Results were indicative of a workforce that is seasoned, educated, and interested in advancement – not just the ‘hired help’, so to speak. The survey was conducted online using Survey Monkey.com. Out of a possible 55 respondents, 29 replied, for an over all response rate of 52.7%. Question 1.1 Age: Results have been tabulated into age ranges. 20 – 29 years of age: 6 20.7% 30 – 39 years of age: 13 44.8% 40 – 49 years of age: 8 27.6% 50 – 59 years of age: 2 0.07% Question 2.2 Gender: Male 16 55.2% Female 13 44.8% Question 3.3 Where do you live? BC 4 13.8% Manitoba 2 6.9% Ontario 21 72.4% Quebec 1 3.4% Nova Scotia 1 3.4% The number of respondents for all other provinces and territories was 0. Question 4.4 Please indicate the highest level of education obtained. Bachelor’s degree 17 58.6% Master’s degree 10 34.5% Doctorate 0 0% Other 2 6.9% The two respondents categorizing their response as ‘other’ listed their education as a diploma, without giving further detail. Question 5.5: How many years of experience do you have in your field? Less than 5 years 6 20.7% 5 – 10 years 13 44.8% 11 – 15 years 5 17.2% 16 – 20 years 3 10.3% 20+ years 2 6.9% Question 6.6: What is your primary function within your workplace? Clinical Service 20 69.0% Radiation Safety 2 6.9% Other 7 24.1% Question 7.7: What was your gross income from your primary source of employment in 2009? 28 replies, 1 respondent did not answer. Two respondents gave non-defined answers. Results have been tabulated into salary ranges. Only ranges with responses are shown. $40,000 – 49,999 1 3.6% $60,000 – 69,999 14 50.0% $70,000 – 79,999 6 21.4% $80,000 – 89,999 4 14.3% $90,000 – 99,999 1 3.6% Question 8.8: How many hours do you work in a normal work week? 28 replies, 1 respondent did not answer. One respondent noted that their position was part time. 35 or less 1 3.6% 36-40 23 82.1% 41-50 4 14.3% No respondents indicated working more than 50 hours a week. Question 9.9: How is overtime paid? Time in lieu 23 82.1% Financial compensation 12 42.9% Other 5 17.9% Respondents in the ‘other’ category were asked to indicate via comment what constituted ‘other’. Two respondents overtime compensation at their workplace was the employee’s choice of paid out or time in lieu, one indicated that they don’t claim overtime, and one remarked that overtime is not fully compensated at their workplace. The fact that the number of responses is for this question is higher than the total number of respondents would seem to indicate that for many PAs, overtime is compensated in a choice of ways. Question 10.10: Are you expected to be on call for evenings or weekends? 28 replies, 1 respondent did not answer. Yes 9 32.1% No 19 67.9% Question 11.11: How many vacation days do you get during a year (exclusive of statutory holidays)? 28 replies, 1 respondent did not answer. 15 or less Vacation Days 3 10.7% 16-20 Vacation Days 20 71.4% 21-25 Vacation Days 4 14.3% 26-30 Vacation Days 1 3.6% No respondent indicated a vacation allowance of more than 30 days. Question 12.12: Do you have opportunities for professional development and advancement (i.e. professional allowance, reimbursement for memberships or travel to conferences, training, etc)? Yes 17 60.7% No 12` 42.9% 7 respondents included comments in regards to this question. Samples indicative of the general trend are listed below. 1. Only occasionally and not every year. Fri, Jun 11, 2010 11:14 AM 2. Been promised for last 3 years, but never happened… Soon thinking to change (employment). Fri, Jun 11, 2010 10:16 AM 3. There is money available but insufficient to cover the full cost of a conference. Fri, Jun 11, 2010 8:37 AM 4. These opportunities have become more available at my workplace in the last year; however, there is no systemic plan for upgrading our qualifications and/or advancing our professional standing within the department. Prior to 2009, professional development opportunities were non-existent or ad hoc at best. Fri, Jun 11, 2010 8:35 AM