Medicine
Undergraduate Programs
Radiation Therapy
The Indiana University School of Medicine Radiation Therapy Program is a Health Professions Program (https://medicine.iu.edu/undergraduate-health-professions) located at the Indiana University Medical Center, on the Indiana University Indianapolis campus. The program is accredited by the:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois, 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300 Email: www.jrcert.org
Mission Statement
The Radiation Therapy Program at Indiana University School of Medicine offers an unparalleled educational experience for aspiring radiation therapists hailing from varied backgrounds. Our program prioritizes the comprehensive development of each student, empowering them with the essential skills to thrive professionally and personally.
The program champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively advocating for underrepresented populations, including first generation students. By fostering an environment of acceptance and support, we aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our collective learning community.
Our overarching objective is to cultivate leaders in the field of radiation therapy who are dedicated to advancing the well-being of patients. Through a focus on excellence in treatment methodologies, we prepare graduates to redefine standards of care and make a lasting impact on the health outcomes of those they serve.
Program Goals
- Students will be clinically competent radiation therapists.
- Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will think critically and apply problem-solving skills in the healthcare environment.
- Students/Graduates will have knowledge of the value of professional development and growth.
- Graduates will be successful at performing tasks/duties as entry-level Radiation Therapists.
Program Outcomes
At appropriate points during the radiation therapy program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of radiation therapy procedures. [Goal 1]
- apply principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others. [Goal 1]
- perform radiation therapy simulation procedures. [Goal 1]
- deliver radiation therapy treatments as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. [Goal 1]
- perform basic radiation therapy dose calculations & access treatment plans. [Goal 1]
- demonstrate effective communication skills. [Goal 2]
- evaluate patients for effects, reactions, and therapeutic responses. [Goal 3]
- apply basic research methods. [Goal 3]
- participate in professional development and service-learning activities [Goal 4]
- formulate methods for the pursuit of lifelong learning. [Goal 4]
- will become member of a professional organization [Goal 4]
At the completion of the radiation therapy program, the graduate will:
- pass the ARRT national certification exam on the first attempt. [Goal 5]
- be employed within twelve months post-graduation, if pursuing employment. [Goal 5]
- complete the professional program within 20 months for radiographers and within 22 months for non-radiographers. [Goal 5]
- be satisfied with their education. [Goal 5]
- Employers will be satisfied with the graduate's performance [Goal 5]
Description of the Profession
Radiation Therapy is a highly specialized and intricate medical treatment that utilizes various forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment is delivered with highly sophisticated and cutting-edge technology driven equipment called linear accelerators, operated by radiation therapists. The main goal of radiation therapy is to stop the growth of cancer cells, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms. It can be used to treat non-cancerous conditions such as keloids and blood disorders as well.
Radiation Therapists are indispensable members of the healthcare team within the field of Radiation Oncology. They hold a pivotal role in administering precise and safe radiation treatments to patients, as prescribed by a Radiation Oncologist. Beyond their expertise of operating technologically advanced equipment, radiation therapists actively monitor patients’ progress and well-being during treatment, offer comprehensive patient education, make necessary adjustments to treatment parameters, conduct venipuncture at select sites, oversee quality assurance measures, and undertake department-specific responsibilities. Their multifaceted contributions are essential to the seamless and effective execution of radiation therapy in the healthcare settings.
Graduates of the Program
The Radiation Therapy Program is meticulously crafted to equip graduates with the skills necessary to adhere to the scope of practice standards in the field of Radiation Therapy. Upon successfully completing the program and fulfilling the general eligibility criteria established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), graduates become eligible to participate in the radiation therapy examination administered by the ARRT. Successfully passing the examination confers upon individuals the designation of registered radiation therapists, denoted as R.T.(T)(ARRT).
Licensure Required to Practice
Radiation Therapists must obtain licensure in Indiana, as well as in several other states, while certain states require solely American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration. All graduates of the Indiana University School of Medicine Program are eligible to apply for ARRT certification and registration.
Scholarships
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) offers various scholarships for students in Radiation Therapy programs.
For university based scholarships, please refer to IU Indianapolis Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid at https://studentcentral.iupui.edu/funding/scholarships/index.html
For further information, contact:
Maria C. Walker, MA, RT(R)(T), Director
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107A
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
Phone: (317) 944-1343
E-mail: macwalke@iu.edu
Megan R. Knight, MA, RT(T), Clinical Coordinator
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107B
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
Phone: (317) 948-7945
E-mail: mknight3@iu.edu
Morgan Rowe, Program Coordinator
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107C
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
Phone: (317) 948-9348
E-mail: morgrowe@iu.edu
Updated: March 2024
