Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science

Radiation Therapy (2163)

This is a limited access program.

Mission Statement: Creating competent, ethical, confident entry-level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

The Career: The radiation therapist assists in the treatment of cancer patients. Working as part of a health care team, supervised by a radiation oncologist, the radiation therapist positions the patient for treatment, performs the necessary mathematical calculations to determine the radiation dosage and delivers the radiation treatments utilizing highly sophisticated equipment.

The demand for skilled, registered radiation therapists is nationwide and expected to increase in the future. With advanced training/education, radiation therapists also have opportunities to pursue careers in dosimetry, medical physics, teaching and administration.

The Program: This limited access program is designed for individuals who wish to become certified in radiation therapy. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level practitioners. Students are strongly advised to complete as many of the general education courses as possible before applying for the program. A minimum grade of “C” must be maintained in all radiation therapy courses in order to continue in the program.

Certification and Licensing
Upon completion of this two-year degree program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board examination in radiation therapy.

Application Procedure
Three courses should be completed prior to submitting an application to the program:

	BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I
	CGS 1060	Introductory Computer Concepts
	or CGS 1570 Microcomputer Applications
	*Mathematics

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,900 (for Florida residents, as of 7/05). Contact the program manager for additional costs (textbooks, certification fees, materials).

Curriculum

General Education Courses
BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
	*Mathematics	3
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
	*Humanities	3
	*Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
	Credit Hours	16

Professional Courses
CGS 1060	Introductory Computer Concepts	3
or CGS 1570 Microcomputer Applications
RAT 1001	Introduction to Radiation Therapy	3
RAT 2614	Radiation Physics	3
RAT 2241	Radiation Biology and Safety	3
HSC 1531	Medical Terminology (for Health Professions)	3
SLS 1932	Selected Topics in Student Life Skills	2
RAT 2123	Patient Care in Radiation Therapy	3
BSC 2086C	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
RAT 1804	Clinical Education I	4
RAT 2618	Radiographic Physics II	3
RAT 2832	Clinical Education B	4
RAT 1021	Trends in Radiation Therapy	2
RAT 2242	Oncology I	3
RAT 2833	Clinical Education C	6
RAT 2651	Dosimetry and Treatment Planning	3
RAT 2243	Oncology II	3
RAT 2834	Clinical Education D	6
RAT 2061	Seminar: Registry Review	3
	Credit Hours	61

Total Credit Hours: 77

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.

Notes
You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. If you choose the A.S. degree you must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics. The A.A.S. degree requires MAT 1033 or higher. Please see an advisor to determine the option that is best for you.

Record of Conviction of a Crime
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) will determine a Radiation Therapy program graduate’s eligibility for credentialing when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons must pre-apply to the ARRT to determine eligibility. Students should contact the ARRT at 651.687.0048 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (EST) for questions concerning eligibility requirements. The ARRT must declare the student eligible before the student enrolls in the Radiation Therapy program.

Most clinical agencies require students to undergo drug screen and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are deemed unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Failure to qualify for and meet clinical requirements at clinical sites may prevent completion of the program. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

The cost of the background check and drug screen is borne by the student. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to have all paperwork completed by the program’s published deadline. Students who are unable to complete the clinical requirements after acceptance into selective access programs are not eligible for refunds of tuition.