Radiation Therapy

 To request program information please email Sandra Hayden at shayden@gc.edu 

Radiation therapists treat patients diagnosed with cancer. They work with physicians, physicists, dosimetrists and nurses in the radiation oncology department to develop and administer a treatment plan customized to the patients’ diagnosis. Radiation therapist operates the linear accelerators, the machines that deliver the radiation doses, monitor the patients throughout the treatment process and assists patient and families with their needs.

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that attracts a very special type of person. Radiation therapists are critical thinkers who possess the analytical skills necessary to work in a highly complex and rapidly evolving field. Communication skills, oral and written, are essential. The therapist must possess the compassion and sensitivity necessary to provide for the physical and psychological comfort of the patient. Radiation therapists must communicate and cooperate with other allied health professions and institutions.

The mission statement of the Radiation Therapy Program is committed to providing its students a very diverse clinical and education of the highest quality. The program is competency based to ensure students success in the clinic as well as the classroom. Graduates of the program will be prepared to deliver excellent patient care while pursuing a lifelong learning career in the field of radiation therapy.

Admissions and transfer of credit policies:

Galveston College Catalog: Page 19 & 20 admission

Page 62-64 transfer of credit policies

 

Tuition, fees, and refunds:

Galveston College Catalog: Page 33 – 36

 

Graduation Requirements:

Galveston College Catalog: Page 72-79

 

Grading System:

Galveston College Catalog: Pages 68-70

Student Handbook Radiation Therapy Program: Page 8

 

Program mission statement, goals and learning outcomes:

Program Website

 

Accreditation Status: Currently accredited

 

Articulation Agreement: Program Website

 

Academic Calendar:

Galveston College Catalog: Pages 8,9 &10

 

Clinical Obligations: See attached

 

Grievance policy and/or procedures:

Galveston College Catalog: Pages 58, 61 & 62

Student Handbook Radiation Therapy Program: Page 10

 

Program Effectiveness Date on JRCERT: see attached

 

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Radiation Therapy
• Radiation Therapy Technology Certificate

CLINICAL COMPETENCE: Provide graduates with academic and clinical skills necessary to secure employment in an entry level position in the field of radiation therapy.

 

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Provide graduates with effective communication skills pertinent to the field of radiation therapy.

 

CRITICAL THINKING: Produce graduates who are critical thinker with good problem solving skills.

 

PROFESSIONALISM: Students will demonstrate professionalism.

 

PASS RATE: Graduates will pass the national registry. Achieve a program registry pass rate of 75% or greater over the past five years for graduates first attempts on taking the registry.

 

EMPLOYMENT RATE: Graduates will secure employment. Achieve a program employment rate within 1 year of graduation of 75% or greater over the past five years for graduations actively seeking employment.

 

COMPLETION RATE: Students will complete the program.

GRADUATE SATISFACTION: Graduates will be satisfied with program.

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION: Employers will be satisfied with skills of the graduates.

 

 

 

 

CLINICAL COMPETENCE: Provide graduates with academic and clinical skills necessary to secure employment in an entry level position in the field of radiation therapy.

 

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Provide graduates with effective communication skills pertinent to the field of radiation therapy.

 

CRITICAL THINKING: Produce graduates who are critical thinker with good problem solving skills.

 

PROFESSIONALISM: Students will demonstrate professionalism.

 

PASS RATE: Graduates will pass the national registry. Achieve a program registry pass rate of 75% or greater over the past five years for graduates first attempts on taking the registry.

 

EMPLOYMENT RATE: Graduates will secure employment. Achieve a program employment rate within 1 year of graduation of 75% or greater over the past five years for graduations actively seeking employment.

 

COMPLETION RATE: Students will complete the program.

 

GRADUATE SATISFACTION: Graduates will be satisfied with program.

 

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION: Employers will be satisfied with skills.

Non-Academic Program Requirements:

Because of the inherent requirements of the profession, certain minimum physical abilities are expected. An otherwise qualified individual for admission is someone who, with or without accommodation can perform and/or possess the following non-academic program requirements.

Vision and Observation Skills

• Visual acuity corrected to 20/20
• View computer screens and for extended periods of time.
• Visually discern details in treatment procedures and equipment operations in low light settings.
• Hear low tones, distinguish background noises associated with patients and equipment.

Physical and Motor Skill Requirements

• Possess sufficient motor function skills to operate all equipment associated with patient care and administration of treatments.
• Ambulate sufficiently to participate in patient treatments and perform all other related clinical responsibilities.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity to perform all clinical duties.
• Lift 30 pounds for placement of treatment blocks, wedges and other treatment devices.
• Transport patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Transfer immobile patients from wheelchairs and stretchers to treatment and simulation couches.

Communication Requirements

• Must be able to communicate and articulate in English proficiently.
• Communicate effectively both orally and written formats in English.
• Communicate proficiently and effectively with patients and coworkers.

Critical Thinking Skills

• Must be able to interpret and process clinical data pertinent to clinical responsibilities.
• Ability to make correct decisions applying critical thinking skills.
• Ability to solve clinic situations applying assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Prioritize clinical and didactic information.
• Solve situational problems associated with patient care in classroom and clinic.

Professional Behavior

• Adhere to Radiation Therapy Code of Ethics.
• Respect all aspects of the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Adhere to radiation therapy program policies and procedures.
• Follow clinical guidelines of affiliates.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Respect others and maintain personal integrity.

MRI Safety

• Students may be exposed to MRI machines.

Non-Academic Program Requirements: Because of the inherent requirements of the profession, certain minimum physical abilities are expected. An otherwise qualified individual for admission is someone who, with or without accommodation can perform and/or possess the following non-academic program requirements.

 

1. Vision and Observation Skills

• Visual acuity corrected to 20/20
• View computer screens and for extended periods of time.
• Visually discern details in treatment procedures and equipment operations in low light settings.
• Hear low tones, distinguish background noises associated with patients and equipment.

2. Physical and Motor Skill Requirements

• Possess sufficient motor function skills to operate all equipment associated with patient care and administration of treatments.
• Ambulate sufficiently to participate inpatient treatments and perform all other related clinical responsibilities.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity to perform all clinical duties.
• Lift 30 pounds for placement of treatment blocks, wedges and other treatment devices.
• Transport patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Transfer immobile patients from wheelchairs and stretchers to treatment and simulation couches.

3. Communication Requirements

• Must be able to communicate and articulate in English proficiently.
• Communicate effectively both orally and written formats in English.
• Communicate proficiently and effectively with patients and coworkers.
• Communicate proficiently and effectively with patients and coworkers.

4. Critical Thinking Skills

• Must be able to interpret and process clinical data pertinent to clinical responsibilities.
• Ability to make correct decisions applying critical thinking skills.
• Ability to solve clinic situations applying assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Prioritize clinical and didactic information.
• Solve situational problems associated with patient care in classroom and clinic.

5. Professional Behavior

• Adhere to Radiation Therapy Code of Ethics.
• Respect all aspects of the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Adhere to radiation therapy program policies and procedures.
• Follow clinical guidelines of affiliates.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Respect others and maintain personal integrity.

6. MRI Safety policy

Students  may be exposed to MRI machines. 

Applicants wishing to make application to the program are required to:

 

• Make application to Galveston College.
• Submit program application prior to the application deadline which is May 31 of each year. Program applications are only available through the program director’s office. Submission of program application does not guarantee admission into the Radiation Therapy program.
• Complete the program prerequisites prior to the application deadline with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Required  prerequisites are A & P I , college algebra & medical terminology 
• Schedule a meeting with the program director.
• Overall a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Math and science courses must be completed within five years of acceptance into the program.
• Program applications are accepted September 15 through May 31.
• Special Needs

 Academic Requirements

• Make application to Galveston College.
• Submit program application prior to the application deadline of May 31. Submission of program application does not guarantee admission into the radiation therapy program.
• Be a graduate of an accredited Radiologic Health Science Program.
• Schedule a meeting with the program director.
• Overall a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have certification in radiography prior to the application deadline.
• Must have an associate degree.

Students with special needs are requested to notify the Special Services for Students with Disabilities Counselor regarding assistance and/or special accommodations. Students with disabilities, impairments, or other health conditions are required to provide documentation from medical physician(s) and/or referral agency; i.e., Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Texas Commission for the Blind, etc.

Special Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Student Guidelines for Special Services – describes the services for students with disabilities, lists campus resources, and identifies local community referral agencies.
2. Pre-enrollment advising, class scheduling, and priority registration. (Students must notify their Counselors/Advisors regarding Special Services about special needs or accommodations.)
3. Special Orientation – familiarizes students with the Galveston College campus and provides information of the support services available to meet student needs.
4. Student Equipment – are available to students with disabilities who provide appropriate documentation.
5. Sign Interpreters – assistance in locating speech interpreters to translate information to the hearing impaired (in cooperation with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission).
6. Tutors – tutoring services are provided at no cost by the College’s Student Success Center.
7. Personal Counseling – assistance with referrals to appropriate local agencies and organizations and serves as liaison to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Texas Commission for the Blind, the local high schools, etc.

Acceptance into the Program:

Once the applicant has been accepted into the program they are responsible for the following:

• Provide proof or complete the Hepatitis B immunization series including titer or show proof of illness prior to clinical attendance deadline of June 1, summer semester.
• Complete Varicella immunization (Chicken Pox)at applicants expense, or show proof of illness prior to the clinical attendance deadline of June 1, summer semester.
• Complete a background check through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00
• Complete a drug screening test through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00
• File a copy of current Texas Department of Health certification in admissions office and allied health office.
• File a copy of current certification with the ARRT or NMTCB in admissions office and allied health office.

• Applicant must me certified in American Heart Health Care Provider level CPR prior to beginning clinical practicum in the summer semester and throughout length of the program.
• Attend mandatory program orientation prior to enrolling in program courses.

Criteria for Acceptance into the Program

 

Galveston College cannot accept all applicants due to limited clinical space in the program.  Criteria for student selection is based on following but not limited to:

• GPA of prerequisites.
• Overall GPA.
• Overall academic profile
• Terminal awards and/or degrees form academic institutions.
• Interview process: Only those students who are rated in the upper 50% of the applicant pool will be extended an interview by the admissions committee.
• Program interviews are conducted during the month of June.
• Notification of program application status deadline is June 30.

 

Acceptance into the Program

Once the applicant has been accepted into the program they are responsible for the following:

• • Provide proof or complete the Hepatitis B immunization series including titer or show proof of illness prior to clinical attendance deadline of June 1, summer semester.
  • Complete Varicella immunization (Chicken Pox) at applicants expense, or show proof of illness prior to the clinical attendance deadline of June 1, summer semester
  • Complete a background check through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00
  • Complete a drug screening test through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00.
  • Attend mandatory program orientation prior to enrolling in program courses.

Program Effectiveness Data:  July 7, 2020

 

NOTE:  The combined registry pass rate on the first attempt within 6 months of graduation for both the AAS Degree Program and Certificate Program is 75.6%

28 of 37 graduates successfully pass the registry on the first attempt within 6 months of graduation.

 

Program Completion Rate

Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who were accepted into the program versus the number of students who completed the program.

Five-year average job placement rate. Benchmark 75% secured employment within 1 year post graduation.

 

 

All program courses are taught at Galveston College.  The student’s clinical education is obtained through five clinical affiliates of Galveston College which are located throughout the greater Houston area.

Five-year average credentialing examination (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiation
Therapy examination). Benchmark is 75% passing on first attempt.

Note: The combined registry pass rate on the first attempt within 6 months of graduation for both the AAS Degree Program and Certificate Program is 75.68%

28 of 37 graduates successfully pass the registry on the first attempt within 6 months of graduation.

Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who were accepted into the program versus the number of students who completed the program.

Five-year average job placement rate. Benchmark 75% secured employment within 1 year post graduation.

All program courses are taught at Galveston College. The student’s clinical education is obtained through five clinical affiliates of Galveston College which are located throughout the greater Houston area.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the radiation therapy program is based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) curriculum grid.  The ASRT curriculum grid is approved by the program’s accrediting agency, the JRCERT.  All program courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 80% to progress in the program.

Upon completion of program requirements the student receives an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Galveston College.  The student is now eligible, upon graduation, to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to sit for the national certification examination.

Galveston College academic calendar available on Galveston College website.

PREREQUISITES

HPRS    1206    Essentials of Medical Term.          2

BIOL    2401    Anatomy & Physiology I                  4

MATH  1314    College Algebra                                 3

                                                                                     9

Program Curriculum for Associate of Applied Science Degree

Fall Semester:

Introduction to Radiation Therapy              3 credit hours

Radiation Biology and Safety                    3 credit hours

Patient Care in Radiation Therapy            3 credit hours

Physics in Radiation Therapy                    3 credit hours

Spring Semester

Oncology I                                                    4 credit hours

Dosimetry I                                                 4 credit hours

Instrumentation and Methodology              3 credit hours

Special Topics: Trends                               1 credit hour

Summer Semester

Dosimetry II                                             3 credit hours

Oncology II                                               3 credit hours

Clinical Practicum I                                  2 credit hours

English 1301                                             3 credit hours

Fall Semester

CT Cross-sectional Anatomy                     3 credit hours

Clinical Practicum II                                     4 credit hours

Technical Procedures                                 2 credit hours

X3XX Humanities/Fine Arts course           3 credit hours

X3XX Social Behavioral Sciences             3 credit hours

Spring Semester

Clinical Practicum III                                   4 credit hours

Special Topics: Seminar                           2 credit hours

Note:  Students accepted into the program may be required to travel 1 hour and/or fifty plus miles to attend clinical affiliates for clinical training.

*Program curriculum if all prerequisites and non-program courses are completed.

The curriculum for the radiation therapy program is based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) curriculum grid. The ASRT curriculum grid is approved by the program’s accrediting agency, the JRCERT. All program courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 80% to progress in the program. Upon completion of program requirements the student receives a certificate in radiation therapy. The student is also eligible, upon graduation, to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to sit for the national certification examination.

 Galveston College academic calendar available on Galveston College website

Spring Semester

Oncology I                                                                           4 credit hours

Dosimetry I                                                                         4 credit hours

Instrumentation and Methodology                                     3 credit hours

Special Topics: Trends                                                         1 credit hour

Summer Semester

Dosimetry II                                                                          3 credit hours

Oncology II                                                                            3 credit hours

Clinical Practicum I                                                               2 credit hours

Fall Semester

Technical Procedures                                                          2 credit hours

CT Cross-sectional Anatomy                                               3 credit hours

Clinical Practicum II                                                             4 credit hours

Spring Semester

Clinical Practicum III                                                            4 credit hours

Special Topics: Seminar                                                       2 credit hours

 Note:  Students accepted into the program may be required to travel 1 hour and/or fifty plus miles to attend clinical affiliates for clinical training.

TOTAL SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS IN PROGRAM 34