Program Overview

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • RT(R) to BHS Completion Program

Radiation therapists treat tumors with high-energy radiation beams. They require not only great technical and scientific expertise, but also the ability to treat cancer patients with great compassion and empathy. All of these skills are addressed in Baptist University’s well-rounded Radiation Therapy program. You’ll develop the scientific knowledge, habits, demeanor, and commitment that distinguish standout radiation therapists. Build the foundation for a long-term radiation therapy career.

The Radiation Therapy program prepares you for a challenging career at the forefront of cancer treatment. New radiation therapy techniques and technologies appear constantly, and Baptist University ensures that its students receive the most up-to-date radiation therapy training.

In 2015, the JRCERT awarded the Radiation Therapy program accreditation for a period of eight years.

CURRICULUM

Bachelor's Degree

The radiation therapy technology (RTT) curriculum is designed to prepare the student to be an entry-level radiation therapist. A complete listing of the course requirements and course descriptions can be viewed in the Catalog. Students are encouraged to follow a specific curriculum plan to ensure progressive learning throughout the degree.

CURRICULUM

 

Already an RT(R)? 

Advance your career by earning a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Radiation Therapy. Students who have earned an RT(R) credential will receive 32 hours of block credit toward their bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy. The 18-month, full-time radiation therapy professional curriculum includes the structured educational requirements for Computed Tomography (CT).

Completion Program Curriculum

Program Accreditation

The radiation therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The contact information for the JRCERT is 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606, www.jrcert.orgmail@jrcert.org or call 312-704-5300.

In 2015, the JRCERT awarded the Radiation Therapy program accreditation for a period of eight years.

 

Professional Credentials

Students successfully completing all degree requirements will receive a bachelor of health sciences (BHS) degree, with a major in radiation therapy. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students can become candidates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiation Therapy (T) certification examination.

  • New students could become candidates to receive the R.T.(T) (ARRT).
  • Students with an R.T.(R) (ARRT) could become candidates to receive the R.T.(R) (T) (ARRT).
  • Additional requirements for licensure may be required by the state in which you practice.

Clinical Obligations

Clinical Obligations

  • Students are responsible for the cost of clinical immunization requirements, as well as the SentryMD tracking system. 
  • Students are subject to a background check and a pre-clinical drug test in addition to the admission requirements.  Students are required to have clinical liability insurance.  Students are required to complete Basic Life Support for Health Care Professionals (CPR).  Students must join the ASRT professional society.  These fees are included in tuition.  Please see Tuition & Fees for full information. Additionally, students may incur out of pocket fees associated with service learning.
  • Students are responsible for complete clinical attire including white coat and school identification patches for each shirt and jacket.  A student should purchase at least 3 pairs of scrubs to ensure a clean wardrobe for the week.
  • Travel to and from the clinic site and/or travel between campus and clinic site is the responsibility of the student.  Any costs incurred for transportation to and from the clinics are the responsibility of the student. Any costs incurred for parking (fees, fines) are the responsibility of the student.
  • Travel requirements for Clinical Practicum courses may include students to be geographically dispersed to sponsoring institutions greater than 60 miles from the Baptist University campus. 
  • The program limits required clinical assignments for students to not more than 10 hours per day and the total didactic and clinical involvement to not more than 40 hours per week.

Applying to the Program

Students interested in the Radiation Therapy program are required to complete several pre-program college level courses prior to applying to the program. All required courses are offered at Baptist University.

First-time college students are encouraged to begin their college education at Baptist University. If currently enrolled in another college, we strongly recommend that you apply for admission to Baptist University as soon as possible to complete the required pre-program college level courses.

Steps for Applying to the Program:

  • Step 1: Submit an application for admission to Baptist University
  • Step 2: Submit all required admission documentation
  • Step 3: Accept offer to attend Baptist University
  • Step 4: Complete and/or transfer 24 credit hours of pre-program course work with a C or better, as specified by the Radiation Therapy program degree requirements
  • Step 5: Submit the Allied Health Intent to Apply Form
    • Submission of the Intent to Apply form guarantees consideration into the selection process for the program.
    • The selection process to the program is outlined in the Baptist University Catalog.
    • To be competitive in the selection process, applicants should maintain a cumulative college GPA of 2.7 or above.
    • Applicants should earn a B or better in all pre-program courses, to be competitive.
Students looking at VERT treatment simulator
  • Small Classes
    ensure direct faculty interaction
  • Clinical experience
    that gives students extensive hands-on training, plus one-on-one interaction with working radiation therapists
  • Integration
    between radiation therapy training and the spiritual, ethical, and philosophical aspects of health care
  • A strong education component
    that emphasizes writing, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills
  • Faith-based Atmosphere
  • Faculty Advisors
  • Relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care
  • Virtual Simulation
    that offers the experience of a radiation therapy treatment room. The only Virtual Environment Radiation Therapy (VERT) Simulator lab in the state

$86,860 Median Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Radiation Therapists

 

71%
Program Completion
2022 Graduating Class
89%
Board Pass Rates
2022 Graduating Class 1st Time Pass Rates
100%
Job Placement Rate
All Graduating Classes since 2018
treatment room in hospital

Radiation Therapist Job Responsibilities

  • Administer daily delivery of therapeutic radiation according to the radiation oncologist’s prescription specific to each patient
  • Act as an integral member of the healthcare team within the radiation oncology department
  • Communicate vital treatment information to the patient
  • Consistently assess patients for response to treatment
  • Maintain detailed records of treatment
  • Perform quality control measures relating to treatment plans and equipment
  • Verify exact treatment location by utilizing sophisticated imaging techniques

Technical Standards

The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the Radiation Therapy program for the performance of common clinical functions.*

Communication

Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and the ability to be easily understood. Reading, writing, recording, and documenting patient information required.

Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking

Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.

Hearing                                                                                                                  

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs, to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.

Vision

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.

Tactile

Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.

Mobility

Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor ability sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Behavioral

Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently, to handle strong emotions, and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

 

*Students who have accessibility questions or who need accommodations should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Room 101, Science Building, at 901-572-2570 or by sending an email to Disability.Accomodations@baptistu.edu.

Program Mission, Goals & Outcomes

Radiation Therapy Program Mission Statement

The Radiation Therapy program will graduate competent, entry-level radiation therapists to become members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, providing empathetic care and therapeutic treatment to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Radiation Therapy Program Goals and Outcomes for the 21/22 Assessment Plan

Goal 1. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will be clinically competent.

  1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in simulating patient set-up and machine parameters using VERT.
  2. Students will perform clinical radiation therapy procedures according to competency standards.

 

Goal 2. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will communicate effectively.

  1. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
  2. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.

 

Goal 3. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will be able to problem solve and critically think.

  1. Students will be able to interpret appropriate dosimetry calculations.
  2. Students will demonstrate critical thinking through case-based learning.

 

Goal 4. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will demonstrate professionalism.

 

  1. Students will demonstrate a professional baseline.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop a professional portfolio.

JRCERT's Accreditation for Students