Education
In order to become a radiation therapist, you must complete an accredited radiation therapy technology program. Programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology (JRCERT) and regional accrediting agencies. Programs vary in length from one and two year hospital sponsored certificate programs; two year college/university sponsored associate degree programs; and four year college/university sponsored baccalaureate degree programs. One year programs are generally designed for individuals who have successfully completed accredited or equivalent programs in radiography or health professionals who can demonstrate competence in the areas identified in the standards for radiation therapy technology programs. Individuals entering two year programs must be high school graduates (or equivalent) with an educational background in basic sciences and mathematics.
The curriculum of a radiation therapy technology program is fairly standard from one accredited program to another. Suggested coursework includes:
- Oral and written communication
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Patient care
- Radiation physics
- Radiation biology and protection
- Medical ethics and legal issues
- Medical terminology
- Instrumentation
- Application of radiation therapy sciences theory and techniques
- Quality assessment
- Computer applications
- Competency-based clinical education
Registration/Certification
Graduates of accredited radiation therapy programs are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Individuals who successfully complete the examination earn the right to use the title "Registered Technologist in Radiation Therapy" and its abbreviation R.T.(T). Registered radiation therapists also earn the right to active membership in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and in the Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT).
Job Opportunities
Radiation therapists can find employment in most medium to large hospital settings, free standing radiation oncology facilities, community cancer centers, research and sales. Average salaries for new graduates range from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour or $35,360 to $45,760 annually.
Radiation Therapy Technology Programs Available in Indiana
Bloomington
Ivy Tech Community College
200 Daniels Way
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
Program Director: Larry Swafford, PH.D., RT
Phone: 812-330-6223
Fax: 812-330-6231
Program Director E mail:
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Program website: www.bloomington.ivytech.edu/academics/programs/health_div/rad_therapy/index.html
Associate of Science degree awarded
Accredited by the North Central Assoication of Schools and Colleges
Number of students accepted each year: 8
Application deadline: March 1
Gary
Indiana University Northwest
3400 Broadway
Gary, Indiana 46408
Program Director: Dorothy Rytczak, BS, RT(R)(T)
Phone: 219- 981-4204
Program Director E mail:
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Program website: http://www.iun.edu/~ahealth/rad select “Radiation Therapy”
Associate of Science degree awarded
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
Number of students accepted each year: 10 non radiographers every other year; variable # radiographers
Application deadline: February 1
Indianapolis
Ball State University
Methodist Hospital
1701 N. Senate Boulevard, Wile Hall 645
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Program Director: Dan Strahan, BS, RT(T)
Phone: 317-962-3377
Program Director E mail:
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Program website: http://www.bsu.edu/physiology-health/radtherapy
Associate in Science degree awarded
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Number of students accepted each year: up to a maximum of 8
Application deadline: All applicants must be accepted Ball State University students by December 1, all application materials due the 1st business day of February
Indiana University
Radiation Oncology, RT 041, 535 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Program Director: Donna Dunn, MS, RT(T)
Phone: 317-274-1302
Fax: 317-274-2486
Program Director E mail:
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Program website: http://www.medicine.iu.edu/body.cfm?id=4491
Select "Medical Education"
Bachelor of Science degree awarded
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
Number of students accepted each year: 12 non radiographers; variable # of radiographers
Application deadline: September 1-December 1
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