Radiation Therapy

Associate of Science

Overview

The program prepares students for entry-level practice as radiation therapists and eligibility to pursue national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The curriculum integrates classroom, online, and hybrid instruction with progressive, competency-based clinical education to develop the knowledge, technical skills, critical-thinking abilities, communication skills, and professional behaviors required for safe and effective radiation therapy practice.

Students receive instruction in patient care, imaging, radiation physics and radiation protection, radiobiology, radiation oncology, treatment planning, quality assurance, and radiation therapy treatment techniques. Through supervised clinical education, students progressively apply knowledge and develop competency in simulation, patient positioning and immobilization, imaging and treatment verification, treatment delivery, radiation safety, patient care, and professional practice. Graduates are prepared to demonstrate entry-level clinical competence and provide safe, compassionate, patient-centered care as members of the interdisciplinary radiation oncology team.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Perform radiation therapy treatment and simulation procedures safely and accurately in accordance with prescribed treatment plans and professional standards.
Demonstrate clinical competence in patient care, positioning, immobilization, imaging, treatment verification, and radiation therapy treatment delivery.
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Demonstrate effective written, electronic, and verbal communication using appropriate medical and radiation oncology terminology and documentation practices.
Apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to patient care, simulation, imaging, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and clinical practice.
Analyze treatment planning, imaging, treatment verification, and quality assurance information to determine appropriate actions and support safe and accurate radiation therapy practice.
Provide compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses patients’ physical and psychosocial needs while applying radiation protection and safety principles.
Demonstrate ethical, legal, accountable, and professional behavior consistent with patient-centered care and the standards of radiation therapy practice.

Radiation Therapy Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- MAT 103
- College Algebra
- 3
This college level algebra course expands upon a student’s knowledge by further developing algebraic concepts. Topics include graphing equations with an introduction to functions, factoring polynomials, operations on rational functions, simplifying rational exponents, and solving quadratic equations. Students will be required to complete homework assignments using a web-based computer program. Prerequisite: Appropriate score on the placement test or successful completion of MAT 097.
- BIO 131
- Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab
- 4
This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to the systemic level. Topics include: anatomical terminology, molecules, cells, basic histology, and organs. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems are also studied. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with “C” or better.
- BIO 132
- Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab
- 4
This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body including the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore, they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Prerequisite: BIO 131 with “C” or better.
- ENG 101
- English Composition I
- 3
This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course. Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 090 or placement into ENG 101.
- ENG 102
- English Composition II
- 3
A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.
- PSY 101
- General Psychology
- 3
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, major theories, different theoretical perspectives, and research methods in psychology. The focus is on theories of personality, motivation, learning, intelligence, emotions, developmental processes, physiological psychology, perception, and psychological assessment. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly recommended.