RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY: RADIATION THERAPY TECHNOLOGY
Program Description
Radiation therapy is one of the most sophisticated tools of modern medical science. Radiotherapy, the treatment of disease with ionizing radiations, may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. The primary responsibility of the radiation therapy technologist is to plan and implement the treatment program prescribed by the radiation oncologist. In recent years, the use of radiation in treating cancer has increased, and with this rise has come the demand for radiation therapy services.
The Radiation Therapy Technology curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and cognitive skills necessary for the competent performance as an entry-level radiation therapy technologist.
Program graduates will have demonstrated numerous academic and clinical competencies consistent with the individual course objectives required within the program. Course objectives and competencies are developed from information provided by accreditation bodies, licensing agencies, and professional societies. The competencies listed below are an abbreviated list of clinical competencies.
This program, completed over 24 calendar months of full-time study, features a concentration of radiotherapy courses supplemented with labs. In addition to these specialized studies, students take courses in anatomy and physiology, composition, psychology and radiation biology. Program graduates will have completed more than 2,200 hours of supervised clinical experiences at affiliated hospitals and clinical sites. Upon completion of the courses and the clinical work, graduates qualify to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification in radiation therapy technology.
Employment opportunities for Radiation Therapy Technologists exist in hospitals, physicians’ private practices and government agencies.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the State of New York Department of Health.
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
- Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent and have a high school average of at least 86%.
- Applicant should have completed two years of high school laboratory science courses with a minimum grade of "C" (ex; biology with lab, chemistry with lab, or physics with lab are recommended) or college level anatomy and physiology with lab, within the past seven years.
- Have completed two years of mathematics with a minimum grade of "C" (algebra and geometry are required, trigonometry is recommended)*.
- Erie Community College pretest scores of MTLV4 and E80.
- Three recommendation forms or letters.
- Students are required to purchase health and accident insurance.
- An informational interview is required.
- Students enrolled in the program must submit a completed Allied Health Report and Physician’s Certificate. The college reserves the right to deny acceptance into the Radiation Therapy program to students who have incomplete or unacceptable physical reports.
*NOTE: Appropriate college math (MT 125 required) and laboratory science courses with a grade of "C" or better and an overall QPA of at least 3.0 can be substituted for the high school requirements above.
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Hegis: 5207
Curriculum Code: 0669
Total Degree Credits: 84.0
Campus Location: City
Health Sciences Division