The educational program in radiation therapy accepts students every other year (odd years).

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.

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 successfully passed this exam, certificate holders are classified as registered radiation therapists, R.T.(T) (ARRT).State certification is required to operate radiation therapy equipment. The state accepts the ARRT Registry for certification. 

Length of the Program

The radiation therapy program is a four-year baccalaureate degree program composed of 54 credit hours of prerequisite and general education requirements and a professional core in the junior and senior years of 68 credit hours.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The curriculum follows a pattern that trains the student to become skilled in the performance of radiation therapy procedures. Courses in radiologic principles, technical courses in radiation therapy, clinical application of theory, and general education are included in the curriculum. Lectures, lab, and clinical experienecs are integrated throughout the program.

Structure of the Professional program

Classes are held during the day. Clinical experience is scheduled in cooperation with the clinical site with experience during normal daytime hours.

Opportunity for Students to Work

Students may find full-time employment during the professional program difficult. 

Description of Facilities

The Radiation Therapy Program offices and classrooms are located in the Dunes Medical/ Professional Building at IU Northwest. Clinical experiences have been planned in local hospitals, including the Community Hospital in Munster; Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, Illinois; LaPorte Hospital and Health Services in LaPorte; Memorial Hospital in South Bend; Methodist Hospital of Gary, Inc., in Merrillville; and St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Hammond.

Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy Program is approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606-3182; phone (312) 704-5300; www.jrcert.org.

Admission
Curriculum