Radiation Therapy (2163)
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 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.
This program is designed for individuals who wish to become certified in radiation therapy. Upon completion of this two–year degree program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist board examination 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.
This A.S. degree program articulates into a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, please visit the Transfer Services Web site.
To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Radiation Therapy program, students must:
- Submit a completed Radiation Therapy program application.
- Have completed the prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
Three courses should be completed prior to submitting an application to the program:
| BSC 2085C |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| CGS 1060 |
Introduction to Information Technology |
| or CGS 1100 |
Microcomputer Applications for Business and Applications |
| |
*Mathematics |
Course Number and Title |
Credits |
| General Education |
| 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 |
Required Professional Courses |
| CGS 1060 |
Introduction to Information Technology |
3 |
| |
or |
CGS 1100 |
Microcomputer Applications for Business and Economics |
|
| 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 |
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.
**CGS 1570 may be substituted for CGS 1060 or CGS 1100.
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.
A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.
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.
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