Programs

Radiation Therapy

This selective-admissions program is 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.

Associate in Arts Degree Radiation Therapy

Learning Outcomes

Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:

  • Deliver a planned course of radiation therapy
  • Verify the mathematical accuracy of the prescription
  • Maintain daily records and document technical details of the treatment administered
  • Observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy, observe the first signs of any complication, and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted
  • Provide patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures
  • Detect equipment malfunctions: report same to the proper authority; and know the safe limits of equipment operation
  • Apply the rules and regulations for radiation safety, detect any radiation hazards, and provide for appropriate public safety in the event of a radiation accident
  • Understand the functions and utilization of equipment
  • Understand the use of all treatment accessories
  • Understand treatment methods and protocols
  • Simulate and plan a prescribed course of treatment
  • Construct immobilization and beam-directional devices and prepare brachytherapy molds
  • Assist in the preparation of brachytherapy sources.
  • Assist the physicist in calibration of equipment, in quality assurance, and in treatment planning procedures
  • Participate in the patient follow-up program and in recording statistical data
  • Participate in patient education procedures
  • Demonstrate respect for confidentiality of medical records and privileged knowledge and the "Patient's Bill of Rights"
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication techniques
  • Demonstrate professional attitudes in the work environment (e.g. cooperation, teamwork, attendance and punctuality).

Completion Worksheet

Download the completion worksheet for this degree (PDF)

Requirements

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 3
RADON 112 Clinical Practice II 5
RADON 113 Clinical Practice III 5
RADON 114 Clinical Practice IV 13
RADON 115 Principles of Simulation 2
RADON 119 Legal Issues in the Radiologic Sciences 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

Professional or technical program offerings and course requirements listed in this website may be altered by the college to reflect the needs of industry, student interests and availability of resources.