Medicine
Undergraduate Programs
Radiation Therapy
The Indiana University School of Medicine Radiation Therapy Porgram is located on the Indiana University Medical Center/Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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- jrcert.org
Mission Statement The Indiana University School of Medicine Radiation Therapy Program provides an exceptional education to students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about becoming licensed radiation therapists. The program places a strong emphasis on the personal and professional growth of its students, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their careers. In addition, the program promotes diversity, equity, and inclusiveness by supporting underrepresented populations, including first-generation students. The program’s overarching goal is to prepare graduates to become leaders in the field of radiation therapy, with a focus on defining excellence in the health and welfare of patients through treatment of disease.
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 activites [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 perfermance [Goal 5]
Description of the Profession Radiation Therapy is a complex and highly specialized form of medical treatment that involves the use of various forms of ionizing radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This type of therapy can be used to treat many different types of cancer, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, among others. Radiation Therapy is an integral part of cancer treatment and if often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to improve patient outcomes.
Radiation Therapists are healthcare professionals who plan a crucial role in the delivery of radiation therapy. They are responsible for administering the prescribed dose of radiation to specific sites in the patient’s body, using advanced equipment such as high-energy linear accelerators. They must also ensure that the radiation is delivered precisely and accurately, in accordance with the physician’s instructions. In addition to their technical responsibilities, radiation therapists also monitor the patient’s progress throughout treatment, keeping a close eye out for any signs of complication or adverse reactions to the radiation. They work closely with the physician to adjust treatment plans as necessary, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and safe treatment possible.
Overall, radiation therapists are key members of the cancer treatment team, providing essential care to patients undergoing radiation therapy. Their knowledge and expertise help to ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment, with the best possible outcomes.
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 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 Please refer to IUPUI Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid at escholar@iupui.edu.
For further information, contact:
Maria C. Walker, MA, RT(R)(T), 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
Morgan Rowe, Program Coordinator
Radiation Therapy Program
Indiana Cancer Care Pavilion
535 Barnhill Drive, RT 107C
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289
Phone: (317) 948-9348
E-mail: morgrowe@iupui.edu
Updated: April 2023
