Radiation Therapy
This selective-admissions program prepares students for a highly technical and important component in cancer treatment and cure. To be considered for acceptance into the program, students must follow specific admissions guidelines, published annually.
Radiation Therapists are vital members of cancer teams who administer radiation treatments according to the prescription and instruction of the radiation oncologist (physician). Therapists use a variety of therapeutic modalities in the treatment of cancer, including high-energy linear accelerators and radioactive isotopes. They also assist in treatment planning procedures involving computerized treatment planning, simulation, and dosimetry, and are responsible for maintaining accurate treatment records, assessing patient’s psychosocial needs, and providing support and comfort to the patient.
The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The curriculum consists of eight consecutive quarters, including summers, of full-time class work combined with clinical experience. Upon successful completion of the programs, students are eligible to apply to take the national examination for certification in Radiation Therapy, which is administered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Prior to admission, students must arrange with at least two hospitals (preferably an affiliated hospital) for a four-hour visit to its radiation therapy department during a regular work day. Students must have at least eight hours of hospital visits. Please review a current program brochure which will offer the complete list of affiliate hospitals students may choose to visit. This visit must precede the student’s personal interview with the admissions committee.
Students in the Radiation Therapy program must earn a C (2.0) or better in all courses required for a degree or certificate.
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| RADON 100 | Principles of Oncology | 4 |
| RADON 101 | Principles of Dose Calculations | 3 |
| RADON 102 | Radiographic Physics | 2 |
| RADON 103 | Radiographic Technique | 2 |
| RADON 104 | Radiation Therapy Physics I | 3 |
| RADON 105 | Principles & Practice of RADON I | 2 |
| RADON 111 | Clinical Practice I | 5 |
| RADON 112 | Clinical Practice II | 5 |
| RADON 113 | Clinical Practice III | 5 |
| RADON 114 | Clinical Practice IV | 13 |
| RADON 119 | Medial Ethics & Communication in Health Care | 2 |
| RADON 120 | Radiologic Sciences Patient Care | 2 |
| RADON 125 | Medical Terminology for Radiologic Sciences | 1 |
| RADON 127 | Sectional Anatomy | 2 |
| RADON 130 | Psychosocial Aspects of Cancer Care | 2 |
| RADON 150 | Pathology | 4 |
| RADON 201 | Radiation Therapy Physics II | 3 |
| RADON 202 | Treatment Planning I | 2 |
| RADON 203 | Treatment Planning II | 5 |
| RADON 204 | Treatment Planning III | 4 |
| RADON 211 | Clinical Practice V | 8 |
| RADON 212 | Clinical Practice VI | 8 |
| RADON 213 | Clinical Practice VII | 8 |
| RADON 214 | Clinical Practice VIII | 13 |
| RADON 220 | Principles & Practice of RADON II | 2 |
| RADON 221 | Principles & Practice of RADON III | 2 |
| RADON 222 | Principles & Practice of RADON IV | 2 |
| RADON 224 | Concept Integration | 1 |
| RADON 225 | Quality Management | 1 |
| RADON 240 | Radiation Biology | 3 |
| Total | 119 |
Download the completion worksheet for this degree [PDF]
[page updated on July 8, 2008]