Overview
The Division of Radiation Therapy derives its mission from its sponsoring institution, Labouré College of Healthcare, a private, non-profit institution offering associate of science degrees, program certificates, and bachelor of science degrees.
The mission of the Radiation Therapy program is to educate students to become competent entry-level radiation therapists. The education provided both clinically and didactically will prepare students to deliver quality care in a variety of healthcare settings and incorporate an understanding and appreciation for the profession’s diverse patient population.
The program strives to build upon sound principles in arts and sciences by preparing students to communicate effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and apply ethical standards and values to the practice of radiation therapy.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits the program. Graduates are eligible for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to earn the designation of RT (T). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Board will grant a license only to individuals who have graduated from a JRCERT accredited program.
The JRCERT may be contacted at the following address:
JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300, Fax: (312) 704-5304
mail@jrcert.org
Professional Practice
Treating and caring for cancer patients is a challenge that demands both skill and compassion. Professionals have to master a high level of technical knowledge. They have to also be able to work well with critically ill patients, understanding their needs and fears. Labouré’s program prepares the graduate to assume responsibilities as a Radiation Therapist.
Curriculum
The Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy degree program provides a broad academic background that prepares the student to play a critical role in the treatment and caring for patients with cancer. Along with professional courses in the theory and application of radiation therapy, courses in the sciences and humanities are included.
The program has many outstanding clinical affiliates. Students gain valuable experience in all of these major facilities, and learn all aspects of conventional treatment, along with innovative techniques such as stereotactic radiation therapy procedures, the use of CT scanning in treatment planning, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
Learn more about the field of Radiation Therapy at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists websites.
Progression in Professional Courses
- Students who receive a failing grade in any professional course will be dismissed from the Radiation Therapy program
- Students who wish to return must meet with an academic advisor and receive an academic plan for readmission to the Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy program
- Once the academic plan is complete, students are eligible to reapply to the program
- Students who wish to reapply must follow the reapplication and readmission policy
Program Outcomes
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Program Goal 1: Students/graduates will demonstrate clinical competency skills of an entry-level radiation therapist.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students/graduates will demonstrate successful set-up and treatment of patients on linear accelerators
- Students/graduates will demonstrate successful set-up, immobilization, and acquisition of CT scans on patients in the CT Simulator
- Students/graduates will apply principles of radiation protection to clinical practice
Program Goal 2: Students/graduates will effectively communicate in all interactions in the classroom and clinical settings
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with the patient, the patient’s family, and all clinical personnel
- Students will exhibit competent verbal and written communication skills
Program Goal 3: Students/graduate will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and problem solving skills in clinical situations
- Students will demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and problem solving skills in didactic situations
Program Goal 4: Students/graduates will demonstrate professional growth and a desire for life-long learning
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate professionalism in all interactions within the clinical setting
- Students will apply their professional obligations upon graduation
- Graduates/alumni will continue their formal education
Curriculum Outcomes
The curriculum outcomes reflect the professional role of the graduate of the Radiation Therapy program. Graduates of the radiation therapy program will be able to accomplish the following:
- Contribute to patient-centered care in accordance with the ethical and legal framework of the Radiation Therapy profession;
- Collaborate as a member of the healthcare team;
- Engage in evidence-based practice that integrates the latest research and expertise in Radiation Therapy;
- Use information technology to effectively communicate, support decision-making, and uphold management principles; and
- Apply quality-improvement and utilization review principles to ensure safe practice according to professional standards.
Course Sequence and Prerequisites
The 2000-level courses build on knowledge gained from the 1000-level courses. To ensure that students are adequately prepared for their programs of study, certain prerequisites may be required for some 2000-level courses. These prerequisites may be satisfied by transfer credit or a previous associate or bachelor degree. Division Chairpersons may waive prerequisites for courses within their control. Professors have discretion to waive prerequisites for their own courses.
Prerequisites
ANA 1010 prior to or concurrent with RTT 1100, RTT 1110, RTT 114C; ANA 1120 prior to or concurrent with RTT 1200, 124C.
Course Sequence
Semester 1
| RTT 1100 | Introduction to Radiation Therapy and Medical Terminology | 2.5 |
| RTT 114C | RA-Clinical Education I | 2.5 |
| RTT 1110 | Treatment Techniques | 1.5 |
| RTT 1170 | Mathematics and Basic Physics Review in Radiation Therapy | 1 |
Semester 2
| RTT 1200 | Introduction to Patient Care | 2.5 |
| RTT 124C | RA-Clinical Education II | 2.5 |
| RTT 1270 | Principles of Mathematics and Physics | 3 |
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester 5
Semester 6
Program of Study
While the College makes every effort to avoid schedule changes, the College may cancel courses or alter course schedules without prior notification.
Students may choose to take three or more years to complete this program based on work schedules or family responsibilities. With this option, Arts and Sciences courses are taken before the Professional course sequence.
Arts and Sciences Courses
The Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy program requires 3 credits for HUM 2000.
Professional Courses
Total: 70 credits
Students are awarded the degree after meeting the program requirements below:
- Completion of a minimum of 43 credit hours at the College
- Successful completion of the degree program as prescribed by the College
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
- A minimum grade of 75 (C) for all Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy courses, except for Anatomy & Physiology I and II, which require a minimum grade of 77 (C+)
- A minimum grade of C in degree professional courses
- A minimum grade of D- in arts and sciences courses
- A failing grade (F) in an arts and sciences course will not count toward a program requirement and the course must be retaken, or a chairperson-approved substitute course taken
- Completion of all program requirements within six years of enrollment at the College
Eligibility for Certification
A candidate for certification as a Radiation Therapist will need to comply with the rules of ethics contained in the ARRT standards of ethics. One issue addressed by the rules of ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations.
Individuals who have violated the rules of ethics may request a pre-application review of the violation in order to obtain a ruling of the impact on their eligibility for ARRT examination. Individuals are advised to submit this pre-application form before entry into the Radiation Therapy program.
An applicant with a previous court record should make an appointment with the Chairperson of the Division of Radiation Therapy to review current information on ARRT requirements.