Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5207
Curriculum Code: 0669
Campus Location: City (September Admittance Only)
Health Sciences Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: 2 years Math, 2 years Science, Letters of Recommendation, Interview*
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Math III, 2 years Laboratory Science
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Government Agencies, Private Practice
*Informational interviews will be arranged by the individual departments to acquaint prospective students with the program.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Radiologic Technology: Radiation Therapy Technology Program is to provide a comprehensive education and emphasize excellence by incorporating extensive didactic learning, professional courses and clinical experiences necessary to prepare students to: become entry-level radiation therapists; provide quality patient care; be active participants in the profession; and to pursue life-long learning.
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 Radiologic Technology: 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.
Program Goals
| Goal I |
The medical community will benefit from Radiation Therapy Technology graduates entering the profession. |
| Goal II |
Program graduates will have the knowledge and skills of a competent entry-level radiation therapist. |
| Goal III |
Students will develop professionalism, ethical and moral practices as guided by values consistent with the professions Code of Ethics and pursue lifelong learning. |
| Goal IV |
Students will demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills. |
Department Notes
- Students must earn a grade of “C” in all radiologic technology and science courses.
- Hospital and clinical affiliates of the program require students to have a health assessment and immunizations, including Hepatitis B.
- The Radiation Therapy Technology Student Handbook describes additional program policies.
- Students must meet the technical standards for the program. Please contact the department for details.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 N Wacker Dr.,Suite 2850, Chicago,Il.60606-3182 phone:312-704-5300, www.jrcert.org 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 percent.
- Applicant should have completed two years of high school laboratory science courses (such as biology with lab, chemistry with lab, or physics with lab) with a minimum grade of “C”; or completed a college-level anatomy and physiology course 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 at time of interview.
- 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 Radiologic Technology: Radiation Therapy Technology Program to students who have incomplete or unacceptable physical reports.
*NOTE: Appropriate college math (MT 125 recommended) 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.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology: Radiation Therapy Technology, the graduate will be able to:
- deliver a planned course of radiation therapy;
- verify the mathematical accuracy of the prescription for radiotherapy;
- maintain daily records and document technical details of the radiotherapy treatment administered;
- observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy, observe the first signs of any complications and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted;
- provide patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures;
- within the scope of practice for a radiation therapy technologist, detect equipment malfunctions, report same to the proper authority and know the safe limits of equipment operation;
- understand the functions, limitations and utilization of radiotherapy equipment;
- apply the rules and regulations for radiation safety, detect radiation hazards and other hazards to patient welfare within the scope of practice for the radiation therapy technologist;
- simulate and plan a prescribed course of radiotherapy treatment;
- construct immobilization and beam-directional devices for external beam radiotherapy;
- assist in the preparation of brachytherapy sources, calibration of radiotherapy equipment and the maintenance of quality assurance procedures and records;
- assist in exam room procedures, patient follow-up, patient educational procedures for the radiotherapy patient;
- provide certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
- communicate clearly and effectively in written, verbal and nonverbal form; and
- demonstrate an awareness of the ethical and legal responsibilities of radiation therapy technologists.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 85.0
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