Health Professions Programs

Radiation Therapy

The educational program in Radiation Therapy through the IU Department of Radiation Oncology is located on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus, Indiana University Medical Center.

Mission StatementThe Radiation Therapy Program, sponsored by the School of Medicine on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus, is designed to provide academic and clinical education to prepare qualified radiation therapists. The major purpose of the program is to provide a quality baccalaureate degree program in radiation therapy dedicated to the health and welfare of patient through treatment of disease.

Program Goals
  1. Graduates/students will be clinically competent.
  2. Graduates/students will communicate effectively.
  3. Graduates/students will think critically and apply problem solving skills in the healthcare environment.
  4. Graduates/students will have knowledge of the value of professional development and growth.
  5. Graduates/students will graduate and be qualified to work as entry-level radiation therapists.

Description of the Profession  Radiation therapy involves the use of different forms of ionizing radiation for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. Radiation therapists administer the prescribed dose of ionizing radiation to specific sites of the patient’s body as directed by the physician. They operate varied types of equipment, including high-energy linear accelerators, and work with radioactive materials. In addition, radiation therapists 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.

Graduates of the Program  The Radiation Therapy Program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the scope of practice standards for radiation therapy. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the radiation therapy certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Having passed this exam, certificate holders are classified as registered radiation therapists, R.T.(T)(ARRT).

Licensure Required to Practice  Licensure of radiation therapists is required in Indiana.

Scholarships  Some hospitals and employers offer financial assistance for students pursuing radiation therapy.

For further information, contact:
Donna Dunn, Director
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Care Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107C
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289

Phone: (317) 944-2524
E-mail: dodunn@iupui.edu

Last Updated: July 6, 2010