Medicine
Undergraduate Programs
Radiation Therapy
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 Statement The 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 the patient through treatment of disease.
Program Goals
- Graduates/students will be clinically competent.
- Graduates/students will communicate effectively.
- Graduates will think critically and apply problem-solving skills in the healthcare environment.
- Graduates will have knowledge of the value of professional development and growth.
- Students will graduate and be qualified to work 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 oral and written communication skills. [Goal 2]
- evaluate patients for effects, reactions, and therapeutic responses. [Goal 3]
- apply basic research methods. [Goal 3]
- formulate methods for the pursuit of lifelong learning. [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 22 months. [Goal 5]
- be satisfied with their education. [Goal 5]
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, and meeting the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists(ARRT) general eligibility requirements( https://www.arrt.org/certification) 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 may offer financial assistance for students pursuing radiation therapy.
For further information, contact:
Maria Walker, Director
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Care Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107A
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
Phone: (317) 944-1343
E-mail: macwalke@iupui.edu
Updated: March 2018
