Radiation Therapy

Division of Radiation Therapy Mission Statement
 The Division of Radiation Therapy derives its mission from its sponsoring institution Labouré College, a private Catholic institution offering associate degree programs exclusively in healthcare.

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.

The program strives to build upon sound principles in general education by preparing students to communicate effectively, develop critical thinking skills and apply ethical standards and values to the practice of radiation therapy.  We also believe that career mobility for those with the desire and potential in the field of radiation therapy should be fostered and facilitated through the provision of opportunities for ongoing education through mobility agreements with baccalaureate granting institutions. 

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates are eligible for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to earn the designation of RT. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Program will only grant a license to individuals who have graduated from a JRCERT accredited program.

The JRCERT may be contacted at:

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304

Professional Practice

Treating and caring for cancer patients is a challenge that demands both skill and compassion. Professionals must master a high level of technical knowledge. They must also be able to work well with critically ill patients, understanding their needs and fears. Our program will prepare the graduate to assume responsibilities as a radiation therapist.

 

Abilities and Traits

At the completion of the radiation therapy program the student will have the opportunity to:

 

• deliver ionizing radiation accurately to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instruction of the radiation oncologist
• perform simulation, localization and therapeutic procedures as they pertain to radiation therapy in accordance with national patients’ safety standards
• operate CT and fluoroscopic simulators including formulating simulation plans for a particular disease to include steps needed prior to, during and after the procedure
• define, summarize and operate various imaging equipment, with proficiency in radiation therapy imaging modalities (computed tomography, on-board imaging, fluoroscopy).
• analyze the importance of interdisciplinary care of cancer patients
• recognize the need for patient’s physical and psychological care during and following a course of radiation therapy
• practice standard precautions in the clinical setting
• explain the fundamentals of radiographic exposure techniques, latent image formation, and the processing of radiographs and apply this knowledge in the clinical setting
• demonstrate effective and accurate written and oral communication skills using appropriate terminology for radiation therapy
• provide general patient care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• discuss, interrupt and evaluate the disease process in cancer patients
• maintain accurate records of treatment administered; calculate dose to targets, normal and critical structures; and navigate an electronic medical record (EMR)  
• examine the fundamentals of clinical radiation oncology, malignant conditions, and their etiology and methods of treatment
• interrupt the concepts of disease, types of growth, causative factors and the biological behavior of neoplastic disease
• demonstrate the ability to develop critical thinking skills
• differentiate pertinent (epidemiology, etiology, pathology, tissue tolerances) radiation therapy aspects of patient care
• interrupt and evaluate the concepts and principles of radiation biology
• apply the principles of radiobiology to tumor cell biology and evaluate radiation effects anticipated in the clinical setting
• develop 2D and 3D patient treatment plans using a planning computer
• calculate mathematical functions
• perform dosimetry and treatment planning functions including various non-computer calculations
• employ and participate in quality improvement program in radiation oncology
• demonstrate an understanding of the specifics of ionizing radiation including the production, interactions and types of radiation and their application to the treatment of patients
• discuss and apply the fundamental principles, concepts and terminology of radiation physics
• fabricate patient immobilization equipment, bolus and custom blocks
• identify and apply the principles and concepts of radiation protection in the clinical setting and participate in quality assurance practices
• recite and apply the theory behind safe radiation practice
• recognize the medical uses of radioactive materials and identify the technical considerations of application
• exhibit professional behaviors and adhere to the profession’s code of ethics and the patient’s bill of rights
• understand, process and demonstrate ethical judgment and principles as a member of the radiation therapy team

 

Curriculum

The associate in science degree program provides a broad academic background that prepares the student to play a critical role in the treatment and caring for cancer patients. Along with professional courses in the theory and application of radiation therapy, courses in the sciences and humanities are included. See sample program...

Mobility Agreements

The program has several outstanding clinical affiliates. Students will gain valuable experience in all of these major facilities, and will learn all aspects of conventional treatment, along with innovative techniques such as stereotactic radiation therapy procedures and the use of CT scanning in treatment planning.

Goals and Outcomes

The program in radiation therapy strives to build on sound principles of general education by preparing students to communicate effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and apply ethical standards and values to the practice of radiation therapy. Read more...

Eligibility for Certification

Candidates for certification as a radiation therapist must 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 a radiation therapy program.

Applicants with a previous court record should make an appointment with the director of admissions and/or the chairperson of radiation therapy to review current information on ARRT requirements.

The program in radiation therapy fosters educational mobility for our graduates who want to pursue a bachelor's degree. The college has formal mobility agreements with Northeastern University-College of Professional Studies for the bachelor of science programs in health management and health science and Stonehill College for the bachelor's program in health care administration.  Additionally, graduates of our program have completed bachelor's degrees at Curry College and other area colleges.

Additional Information

Radiation therapists help one patient at a time fight cancer.  Learn more about this field at American Society of Radiologic Technologists.