Radiation Therapy Certificate

Applicants must be radiologic technologists certified and registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography.

Applicants should also be prepared to participate in full-time online synchronous coursework and required weekday clinical education.

Radiation therapy students must be able to meet the physical, cognitive, communication, and professional demands required for safe and effective performance in the clinical environment.

Mental and Concentration Demands

• Concentrate and maintain focus for extended periods of time.
• Learn, process, retain, and apply new information efficiently.
• Apply theoretical concepts to clinical radiation oncology practice.

Physical and Motor Skills

• Stand, walk, bend, balance, reach, grasp, push, pull, and assist with patient positioning.
• Move equipment, wheelchairs, stretchers, positioning devices, and related clinical materials safely.
• Demonstrate the strength, coordination, and endurance needed for patient care activities.
• Perform fine motor tasks accurately and safely.

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Read written, typed, and computer-generated information.
• Evaluate simulation images and treatment verification images.
• Monitor patients using cameras, display monitors, and auditory systems.
• Distinguish colors, sounds, voices, and spatial relationships.

Communication and Professional Skills

• Communicate clearly and effectively in spoken and written English.
• Use therapeutic communication with patients, families, faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals.
• Interpret verbal and nonverbal communication and respond appropriately.
• Work respectfully with diverse patient populations and healthcare teams.
• Maintain professionalism, ethical conduct, and safe performance in stressful situations.

Clinical Environment

• Students may be exposed to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, ionizing radiation, magnetic fields, electrical hazards, and other clinical workplace risks.

• In addition to physical and environmental hazards, students may also encounter emotional and psychological challenges. Working in a radiation oncology setting often involves caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment, which can be emotionally demanding due to patient vulnerability, serious diagnoses, and end-of-life care situations.

• Students may experience stress, emotional fatigue, and compassion fatigue as part of the clinical learning environment. The program encourages the development of resilience and provides resources to help students manage the emotional demands of clinical practice. Students must follow all safety protocols and correctly use the required personal protective equipment.

Students will provide clinically competent care to patients.

• Interpret pertinent data to accurately deliver radiation therapy treatments.
• Accurately position patients for simulation and treatment delivery.
• Apply radiation safety principles, regulatory requirements, and protection practices.
• Discuss treatment side effects within the scope of practice.

Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.

• Demonstrate written communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

• Evaluate patient setup, radiation dosage, and treatment images.
• Respond appropriately to non-routine clinical scenarios.

Students will demonstrate professional work standards.

• Exhibit professional standards and behaviors.
• Assess the importance of professional development.