Accelerator Technology Education Course (ATec)

Designed for medical physics trainees, physics associates, accelerator services personnel, and regulatory professionals, ATec provides immersive learning in linear accelerator systems, beam tuning, troubleshooting, imaging systems, and safety principles through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratories, and multidisciplinary discussion.

In person sessions: October 26-28, 2026
Introductory Virtual Session: October 20, 2026 (2-5 pm ET)
Toronto, Canada
Course Directors: Hossein Afsharpour, Patricia Lindsay and Bernhard Norrlinger
Invited Speaker: Dr. Malcolm McEwen

Why Attend

By attending ATec, participants will:

Strengthen their understanding
of linear accelerator architecture and system integration

Develop practical knowledge
of beam generation, tuning, and dosimetric performance

Explore accelerator troubleshooting approaches and common technical challenges

Gain exposure to imaging systems, safety requirements, and service considerations

Understand the clinical implications of accelerator performance and servicing decisions

Learn alongside multidisciplinary peers from clinical, technical, and regulatory settings

Invited Speaker

Carleton University

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

ATec is designed for professionals interested in strengthening their understanding of medical linear accelerator technology and its clinical application.
This course is ideal for:

Medical physics trainees and residents
Physics associates
Accelerator maintenance personnel
Regulatory and standards body personnel
Medical physicists seeking deeper technical understanding of linac systems
Clinical professionals interested in accelerator technology and servicing principles

Participants from multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to attend to foster shared learning and cross-functional understanding of accelerator technology.

APPLY NOW

Completing the ATec program was an invaluable part of my training as a medical physics resident. The course is taught by a multidisciplinary team of experts with deep hands-on knowledge of linear accelerator operation, gained through decades of experience managing and servicing a large fleet of linacs at the Princess Margaret Hospital. The level of detail and practical insight is difficult to find elsewhere.

"The Accelerator Technology Education Course delivers an exceptionally comprehensive overview of medical linear accelerator technology. I was particularly impressed by the depth of knowledge and expertise of the instructors, which greatly enriched my learning experience. The opportunity to observe linacs up close was especially valuable in strengthening my understanding. In addition, the SIMAC software offered a clear and practical perspective on how medical linear accelerators operate in real-world settings."

Program Highlights

Comprehensive Linear Accelerator Fundamentals

Build a strong foundational understanding of the core systems and principles that underpin modern medical linear accelerators.
Topics include:

Introduction to linear accelerator design and architecture
Functional overview of linac subsystems
Synchronization pulse systems
High-voltage modulators
Microwave generation and transmission systems
Vacuum systems and accelerator function
Beam production and beam control systems
Linear Accelerators; Fundamentals and concept

Participants will gain a systems-level understanding of how linear accelerators operate and how individual components contribute to treatment delivery.

Beam Tuning, Commissioning & Dosimetry

Explore the principles and practical considerations involved in optimizing accelerator performance.Topics include:

Hands-on laboratory activities using linac-simulation software to reinforce key concepts related toaccelerator performance and optimization including:

Imaging Systems & Troubleshooting

Gain practical insight into the role of imaging systems in modern radiotherapy and strategies for identifying and resolving technical issues.
Topics include:

Participants will explore how imaging technologies integrate into radiation treatment workflows and support safe patient care.

Safety, Licensing & Regulatory Considerations

Develop a stronger understanding of accelerator safety and the regulatory environment surrounding radiation treatment equipment.
Topics include:

Discussion will emphasize the importance of safe servicing practices and maintaining treatment quality in clinical environments.

Hands-On Labs & Learning

ATec emphasizes applied learning through demonstrations, labs, and real-world discussion.
Learning experiences may include:

Participants benefit from practical exposure to accelerator systems in an educational setting designed to bridge theory and clinical practice.

Emerging Technologies & Future Directions

Explore innovations shaping the future of radiation delivery technology.
Topics may include:

FLASH radiotherapy
Emerging accelerator technologies
Evolving imaging capabilities
Future trends in treatment delivery systems
Advances in ionizing radiation metrology and the calibration of dosimetry instrumentation

Course Fees

Course Leadership

Standard Registration: $1,300.00 CAD
Trainee Registration: $400.00 CAD

Please note: UTDRO residents are exempt from program fees and may attend the course on a complimentary basis.

Course Leaders
Bernhard Norrlinger
Patricia Lindsay
Hossein Afsharpour

Whether you are early in your career or seeking to broaden your technical expertise, ATec provides practical and clinically relevant education to support professional development in radiation medicine.