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.
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).
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.org, mail@jrcert.org or call 312-704-5300.
In 2015, the JRCERT awarded the Radiation Therapy program accreditation for a period of eight years.
Program Effectiveness
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.
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Small Classesensure direct faculty interaction
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Clinical experiencethat gives students extensive hands-on training, plus one-on-one interaction with working radiation therapists
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Integrationbetween radiation therapy training and the spiritual, ethical, and philosophical aspects of health care
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A strong education componentthat emphasizes writing, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills
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Faith-based Atmosphere
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Faculty Advisors
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Relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care
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Virtual Simulationthat 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
Radiation Therapist Job Responsibilities
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Administer daily delivery of therapeutic radiation according to the radiation oncologist’s prescription specific to each patient
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Act as an integral member of the healthcare team within the radiation oncology department
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Communicate vital treatment information to the patient
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Consistently assess patients for response to treatment
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Maintain detailed records of treatment
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Perform quality control measures relating to treatment plans and equipment
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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.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in simulating patient set-up and machine parameters using VERT.
- Students will perform clinical radiation therapy procedures according to competency standards.
Goal 2. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will communicate effectively.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
Goal 3. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will be able to problem solve and critically think.
- Students will be able to interpret appropriate dosimetry calculations.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking through case-based learning.
Goal 4. Graduates/students of the radiation therapy program will demonstrate professionalism.
- Students will demonstrate a professional baseline.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop a professional portfolio.