Radiation Therapy
- Students must have access to a computer and internet to access course materials, complete online assignments, quizzes, and exams
- Transportation and parking expenses are the responsibility of the student.
- Mandatory background check and drug screening, at student’s cost, prior to matriculation (approx. $110.00)
- Mandatory CPR Certification (American Heart Association) prior to start of the Program at student expense.
- Expenses for scrubs are the responsibility of the student.
- Trajecsys Report System (approx. $150.00)
The Radiation Therapy Program utilizes state-of-the-art clinical and formal didactic education to prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in radiation oncology. It is important for students to realize that professionalism in Radiation Therapy includes more than theoretical understanding and accurate technical performance of procedures. It also involves internalization of the many appropriate attitudes, ethics and behaviors which are common to all health care professions. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals may apply to take the national American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) certification examination in radiation therapy. Students will learn the most advanced treatment techniques using cutting edge technology.
Overview
Name | Sandra Hayden |
Title | Radiation Therapy Program Director |
Room | HS - 303 |
Program Area |
Allied Health
|
Phone | 409-944-1492 |
shayden@gc.edu | |
Admin Support |
Elizabeth IIes 409-944-1490 |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 20 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 & college physics
- 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 20.
- Special Needs
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Make application to Galveston College.
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Submit program application prior to the application deadline of May 20. Submission of program application does not guarantee admission into the radiation therapy program.
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Be a graduate of an accredited Radiologic Health Science Program.
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Schedule a meeting with the program director.
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Overall a minimum GPA of 3.0.
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Have certification in radiography prior to the application deadline.
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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:
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Student Guidelines for Special Services – describes the services for students with disabilities, lists campus resources, and identifies local community referral agencies.
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Pre-enrollment advising, class scheduling, and priority registration. (Students must notify their Counselors/Advisors regarding Special Services about special needs or accommodations.)
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Special Orientation – familiarizes students with the Galveston College campus and provides information of the support services available to meet student needs.
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Student Equipment – are available to students with disabilities who provide appropriate documentation.
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Sign Interpreters – assistance in locating speech interpreters to translate information to the hearing impaired (in cooperation with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission).
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Tutors – tutoring services are provided at no cost by the College’s Student Success Center.
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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:
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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.
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Complete Varicella immunization (Chicken Pox)at applicants expense, or show proof of illness prior to the clinical attendance deadline of June 1, summer semester.
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Complete a background check through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00
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Complete a drug screening test through Galveston College, at student’s expense, upon acceptance into the program. Approximate cost to applicant is $50.00
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File a copy of current Texas Department of Health certification in admissions office and allied health office.
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File a copy of current certification with the ARRT or NMTCB in admissions office and allied health office.
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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.
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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.
Institution Name: Galveston College
Program Type: Radiation Therapy
Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Institution Name: Galveston College
Program Type: Radiation Therapy
Degree Type: Certificate *No Certificate Students accepted into the program
Curriculum
The curriculum for the radiation therapy program is based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) curriculum grid. 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
PHYS 1401 College Physics 4
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. 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
The Galveston College radiation therapy program is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).
ARRT / American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
651-687-0048
Articulation agreement with:
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
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Name |
Sandra Hayden |
Phone: | 409-944-1492 |
Questions? Contact Us.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
8:00 A.M. - 5 P.M.
info@gc.edu
409-944-4242
409-944-1500