Radiation Therapy
At a Glance
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy, also known as x-ray therapy, is part of radiation oncology. Radiation Therapists use linear accelerators to administer radiation to treat cancer. They work closely with the medical dosimetrist, radiation oncologist and radiation physicist. People in this profession work in fast-paced environments, stand for most of day and move and lift patients to and from treatment rooms.
Radiation Therapists work directly with critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. A Radiation Therapist must be able to:
- Administer, record, and interpret cancer treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists
- Easily adapt to stressful environment
- Know about alternate imaging concentrations
- Work in small teams
- Learn to use different imaging techniques
- Manage side effects of treatment
Our Radiation Therapy Concentration is one of few Radiation Therapy Programs on the East Coast that offers Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) for student training. VERT is a life-size replica of a real linear accelerator used by radiation therapists to treat cancer patients. Students learn key skills by controlling the virtual machine with real controls. 3D visualization of patient images, organs, treatment beams and dose makes complex theoretical concepts easy to understand. Our students also use CT scanners and high energy linear accelerators of ionizing radiation.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Radiation Therapy Program is to provide a comprehensive education preparing students for entry-level practice in radiation therapy as competent, caring members of the health care team, cultivating professionalism and life-long learning.
Radiation Therapy Concentration within Your Degree
Students may complete this concentration as part of any of our Department Bachelor Programs. Dual-Concentration students take Radiation Therapy in their second year (after taking the preferred Radiography program), unless they are pursuing Medical Dosimetry. Dual-Concentration students can choose Radiation Therapy their first year, however it is recommended as a second year option.
Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences faculty member when choosing concentrations, to help make sure that the combination you choose is the best option for your future career. Acceptance into your second year concentration of Radiation Therapy is not guaranteed.
Goals
Student Learning Outcomes:
1-A. Students will demonstrate appropriate image guidance radiation therapy skills.
1-B. Students will be able to correctly place or locate isocenter for treatment and simulation procedures.
Student Learning Outcomes:
2-A. Students will effectively communicate with patients.
2-B. Students will demonstrate effective written skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
3-A. Students will exhibit critical thinking and problem solving by evaluating different image sets.
3-C. Students will be able to identify and correct errors related to daily linear accelerator quality assurance.
Student Learning Outcomes:
4-A. Students will demonstrate an understanding of and present data related to current trends in Radiation Oncology.
4-B. Students will be prepared to enter the job market.
Certification Exams
Upon successful completion of the Radiation Therapy Program, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiation Therapy certification examination. Students who pass this examination receive national certification. Dual-Concentration students may not be able to take board exams until they receive their BS.
Program Effectiveness
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 11 of 11 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 12 of 13 | 92% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 5 of 11 | 45% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 9 of 14 | 62% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 10 of 10 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 47 of 59 | 80% | |
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Job Placement Rate | number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 9 of 9 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 9 of 9 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 14 of 14 | 100% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 13 of 13 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 10 of 10 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 55 of 55 | 100% | |
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.
| Program Completion Rate | number graduated divided by number started the program | |
| Year | Results | |
| Year 1 | 2023 | 10 of 10 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 100.0% | |
*Data from Program Director (updated annually).
Data collected October 2024.
The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:
1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR
2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation OR
3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours OR
4) graduate is on active military duty OR
5) graduate is continuing education.
Accreditation
Radiation Therapy
The radiation therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182 312-704-5300 Email: [email protected]
The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.