Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy presents the professional with the unique opportunity to blend the knowledge and skills of patient care, mathematics, medical science, psychology and critical thinking.
Degree and Certificate Offered
The School of Health Professions offers the following programs in Radiation Therapy:
Bachelor of Science Degree: Radiation Therapy
The programs are administered by:
- Dean: Michael J. Ahearn, Ph.D.
- Program Director: Shaun T. Caldwell, M.S., RT (R) (T)
- Education Coordinator: Kameka Rideaux-Callahan, MBA, RT (R) (T)
- Clinical Preceptor: Robin Pritchard, RT (R) (T)
- Clinical Preceptor: Benjamin Martinez, RT (T)
- Medical Advisor: Eric A. Strom, M.D., M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Medical Advisor: Donald E. Schwarz, M.D., Presbyterian Cancer Center - Dallas TOPA, Dallas, TX
Roster of Faculty
| Degree and School | Teaching Assignments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaun T. Caldwell RT (R) (T) Assistant Professor | M.S.,Utah State University |
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| Kameka Rideaux-Callahan RT (R) (T) | M.B.A., University of Pheonix |
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| Scroggins, Deborah RT (R) (CV) (M) (CT) | M.S.R.S. |
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Adjunct faculty members include: | ||||
| Diana Anderson Lecturer | M.A., University of Phoenix |
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| Mary Ann Ball Lecturer | M.S., University of Texas at Tyler |
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| Kyle J. Antes DABR | M.S., The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston |
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| Harry R. Gibbs Associate Professor | M.D., Harvard Medical School |
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| Laurel R. Hyle Lecturer | M.P.H., J.D., The University of Houston Law Center |
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| Steven P. McCullough | Ph.D., The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston |
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| Donald Schwarz | M. D., University of Louisville School of Medicine |
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| Eric A. Strom Associate Professor | M.D., Northwestern University Medical School |
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Objectives
The radiation therapist plays an integral role in the cancer management team of radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists, medical physicists and patient care professionals. Radiation therapy presents the professional with the unique opportunity to blend the knowledge and skills of patient care, mathematics, medical science, psychology and critical thinking in his or her everyday work. The radiation therapist establishes a relationship with the patient over a period of several weeks to several months becoming an important part of the patient's health care experience. This interaction is a source of personal satisfaction and professional pride.
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - Program in Radiation Therapy is designed to prepare students for a challenging career in cancer treatment through formal education including: human anatomy, physiology, radiation therapy physics, radiation oncology, pathology, radiation biology, treatment planning, medical dosimetry, quality assurance and patient care.
Students in radiation therapy directly apply concepts and theory in a state-of-the-art clinical treatment facility.
Upon completion of formal didactic and clinical education students will have demonstrated the professional skills necessary to plan, deliver and record a prescribed course of radiation and proton therapy and may be eligible for the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Selection Criteria
Admission is dependent on factors that include:
- Cumulative grade point average
- Science and math grades
- Communication skills
- Personal qualities such as maturity and professional goals
Requirements for Admission
Consideration for admission to the Radiation Therapy program is not based on race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, age or disability. Students who have disabilities that require accommodation should discuss these with the program director early in the year. Documentation may be required to verify certain disabilities.
The following are the minimum admission requirements for the program:
Application to the program, including submission of official transcripts, three professional (employers, supervisors, academic teachers) letters of recommendation using the appropriate forms, a personal interview and a site visit
Required Bachelor of Science courses must be acceptable toward a major in the respective field of study. Survey courses will not fulfill these requirements. Admission is on a competitive basis; meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Candidates who completed the prerequisite courses seven or more years before admission may need to update their academic skills. For specific information, contact the program director.
Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 135 semester credit hours of course work. Within this requirement, students must complete the following at M. D. Anderson:
- At least 40 semester credit hours of advanced (3000/4000) course work
- At least 25% of the total semester credit hours required must be taken at M. D. Anderson
Minimum grade point average on a 4.0 scale of 2.5 overall
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - All applicants must provide proof of successful assessment of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Applicants who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas College or University are exempt from TSI. Proof of an applicant's readiness to enroll in college level coursework will be determined by the Registrar's Office based upon review of official transcripts from previously attended institutions.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Applicants from countries where English is not the native language may be required to take the TOEFL. Internet based TOEFL is now available and a total test score ranging from 74-78 with a minimum score of 18 in each section is required.
Nonacademic Requirements
In addition to the nonacademic requirements for all students (see Admission policy), students accepted into the Radiation Therapy program must be able to do all of the following:
Reach overhead up to six feet off the floor.
Lift 30 pounds of weight (i.e., treatment cones, ancillary aids, blocks for treatment) up and over head level.
Move immobile patients from a stretcher to a treatment or diagnostic table.
Push a standard wheelchair from the waiting area to the treatment room.
Use a computer keyboard and monitor to input clinical data into a treatment console and computers.
Visually monitor patients in dimmed light; visually monitor patients via video monitors during treatment.
Monitor patients via audio monitors during treatment.
Hear various equipment and background sounds during equipment operations.
International Students
Students who complete all or part of their college coursework outside the United States must submit their transcripts to an accredited U.S. evaluation agency approved by the respective accrediting organizations for course-by-course evaluation and grade evaluations. International students must meet all requirements listed above. Applicants will be requested to demonstrate written and oral fluency in the English language.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Our Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy program is a two-year track for certification and degree completion:
- Applicants do not need a background in Radiography.
- Program provides an education in advanced treatment modalities including adaptive, conformal, Stereotactic and Proton Therapy.
- Taught in Houston and via two-way audio-video conferencing with on-site faculty in Dallas.
Prerequisites for the two-year program: a minimum total of 42 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include courses described below:
Prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, overall and in science classes.
The Texas Core Curriculum – 42 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include the following specific courses:
| Prerequisite Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
Communications Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts Mathematics (College algebra or higher) | 6 3 |
| Natural Sciences Courses with prifix BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS, or other Natural Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology I (required)(minimum 4SCH) - Anatomy & Physiology II (recommended) - Physics (required)(minimum 3 SCH) | 12 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 15 |
| - United States History (may include 3 hours of Texas history) | 6 |
| - Political Science (must include U. S. and Texas Constitution) | 6 |
| - Social Science (Recommended courses – Psychology or Sociology) | 3 |
Up to 6 hours of the above general courses may be obtained from advanced standing examinations such as CLEP or its equivalent. | |
Apply to the Radiation Therapy Program by April 1.
Demonstrate on a 4.0 scale a minimum grade point average of 2.5 overall .
Submit all transcripts from each college or university attended.
Submit three completed professional reference forms with application.
Complete a clinical site visit and a personal interview.
Complete the required academic core curriculum for a Baccalaureate degree. All core requirements must be completed prior to completing the radiation therapy program.
Total undergraduate semester credit hours must be equal to 130 before a Bachelor of Science degree is awarded. The number of hours awarded upon completion of the program is 89.
Special Requirements
Students are expected to maintain high academic performance and display appropriate professional and ethical behavior during all phases of their education.
Curriculum
The JRCERT, 20 North Wacker, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 (312) 704-5300, accredits the educational program. The curriculum meets or exceeds the curriculum recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Graduates of the Radiation Therapy program may be eligible to take the certification examination in radiation therapy offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Affiliations
The Program in Radiation Therapy provides a clinical education experience at the following facilities:
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston’s Radiation Therapy clinics, including: Main Center, Mays Clinic and Proton Treatment Center.
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center’s satellite Radiation Therapy treatment facilities, including:
- Radiation Treatment Center - Bay Area, Nassau Bay, TX
- Radiation Treatment Center – Fort Bend, TX
- Radiation Treatment Center – Katy, TX
- Radiation Treatment Center – Sugar Land, TX
- Radiation Treatment Center – The Woodlands, TX
- Radiation Treatment Center - Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Presbyterian Cancer Center - Dallas TOPA, Dallas, TX
| Two Year Program Curriculum | Hours |
|---|---|
| Junior Year | |
| DI 4350 Introduction to Computed Tomography* | 3 |
| HS 4100 Issue in Health Care Ethics* | 1 |
| HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence* | 1 |
| HS 4300 Pathophysiology for Health Professions | 3 |
| HS 4303 Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| RT 3101 Simulation and Treatment Techniques I | 1 |
| RT 3103 Simulation and Treatment Techniques II | 1 |
| RT 3200 Introduction to Radiation Therapy | 2 |
| RT 3320 Clinical Education I | 3 |
| RT 3321 Clinical Education II | 3 |
| RT 3322 Clinical Education III | 3 |
| RT 4101 Radiation Safety and Protection | 1 |
| RT 4210 Radiobiology | 2 |
| RT 4302 Anatomy for Radiation Oncology* | 3 |
| RT 4305 Patient Care in Radiation Oncology* | 3 |
| RT 4306 Technical Radiation Oncology* | 3 |
| RT 4310 Radiation Therapy Physics | 3 |
| RT 4312 Quality Management in Radiation Oncology | 3 |
| RT 4315 Practical Radiation Oncology | 3 |
| Senior Year | |
| DI 3342 Digital Imaging | 3 |
| DI 4300 Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences | 3 |
| DI 4301 Research Project | 3 |
| DI 4304 Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| HS 4111 Medical Law | 1 |
| RT 4111 Clinical Radiation Oncology Lab I ** | 1 |
| RT 4112 Clinical Radiation Oncology Lab II** | 1 |
| RT 4211 Clinical Radiation Oncology I ** | 2 |
| RT 4212 Clinical Radiation Oncology II** | 2 |
| RT 4309 Special Applications in Radiation Oncology | 3 |
| RT 4311 Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning and Dosimetry | 3 |
| RT 4320 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy IV | 3 |
| RT 4321 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy V | 3 |
| RT 4322 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy VI | 3 |
| RT 4390 Adaptive Radiation Therapy** | 3 |
| RT 4395 Problem Solving and Decision Making in Radiation Therapy** | 3 |
| Elective Courses may include (6 SCH required) | |
| DI 3342 Digital Imaging | |
| DI 3345 Directed Reading | |
| DI 3346 Professional Development | |
| DI 4310 Teaching Strategies in Health Care Education | |
| DI 4311 Instructional Design | |
| DI 4312 Patient Education | |
| DI 4322 Effective Human Resources Management | |
| DI 4323 Management Skills for New Supervisor | |
| RT 4911: Special Topics in Radiation Therapy | |
| Total | 85 to 91 |
Course Descriptions
DI 3342 Digital Imaging (3 semester credit hours)
This course will teach the student about digital imaging in routine and specialized 2-D and 3-D images, data management and fusion practices.
DI 4300 Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
This course will teach the student the principles and methods of conducting practical research in health care.
DI 4301 Research Project (3 semester credit hours)
This course will prepare the student to complete a research project
DI 4304 Sectional Anatomy (3 semester credit hours) (3 semester credit hours)
This course will provide a review of the gross anatomy of the entire body. Detailed study of gross anatomical structures will be conducted systematically for location, relationship to other structures and function. Structures are located and identified in axial (transverse), sagittal, coronal and orthogonal (oblique) planes. Illustrations and anatomic images will be compared with MR, ultrasound and CT images in the same imaging planes and at the same level when applicable. The characteristic appearance of each anatomical structure as it appears on CT, MR and ultrasound, when applicable, will be stressed.
DI 4350 Introduction to Computed Tomography (3 semester credit hours)
This course is an introduction to computed tomography. Topics of discussion will include the history of computed tomography, basic information on instrumentation, data acquisition, image reconstruction, patient care and safety, quality assurance and radiation dose concerns. Unique to this course will be an introduction to CT simulation as it is used in Radiation Therapy. Students will be required to complete a lab with faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: Radiation Safety and Health Science; Admission to DI or RT programs or permission of instructor.
DI 4301 Research Project (3 semester credit hours)
This course will prepare the student to complete a research project.
HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to establish a foundation and set parameters of professional practice for health care professionals. The emphasis will be on developing the background for the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning, ethical obligations in health professional-patient relationships and just allocation of scarce health care resources.
HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to create an awareness of ethnocentrism and a beginning understanding of cultural similarities and diversity. It provides the student with knowledge of the concepts of cultural relativity, cultural integration and variation in cultural values, organization and institutions.
HS 4111 Medical Law (1 semester credit hour)
This course introduces the student to medical law and case studies in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
HS 4300 Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge in pathophysiology in preparation for professional studies in the health sciences. Topic covered includes central concepts of pathophysiology of the cells and tissues and alterations on organs and systems with an emphasis on carcinogenesis.
HS 4303 Human Pathology (3 semester credit hours) (Offer through 08-09 for RT Seniors)
This course is designed to address the disease process in human beings by body systems. The effect of disease on the oncology patient is emphasized.
HS 4303 Advance Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours) (Offer for 08-09 for Juniors)
This course presents the imaging disease process and its effects on image quality.
RT 3101 Simulation and Treatment Techniques I (1 semester credit hour)
This course is taught in the laboratory setting. Students are required to demonstrate accurate simulation and/or treatment set-up procedures and patient immobilization for basic to immediate radiation therapy treatment protocols.
RT 3103 Simulation and Treatment Techniques II (1 semester credit hour)
This course is taught in the laboratory setting. Students are required to demonstrate accurate simulation and/or treatment set-up procedures for intermediate to advanced radiation therapy treatment protocols.
RT 3200 Capstone: Registry Review (2 semester credit hours)
This course presents the radiation therapy student with a review of didactic and clinical applications in radiography.
RT 3200 Capstone: Registry Review (2 semester credit hours)
This course presents the radiation therapy student with a review of didactic and clinical applications in radiography.
RT 3200 Introduction to Radiation Therapy (2 semester credit hours)
This course includes roles and responsibilities of radiation oncology personnel, medical terminology, basic patient care, practice standards of a radiation therapist and the hospital staff hierarchy,
RT 3320 Clinical Education I (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides supervised clinical education in which students are assigned to a specific patient. The student will observe the patients from consultation through treatment. Students are required to present in a formal setting the educational findings related to their patient’s treatment regime. Students must demonstrate competency in block fabrication, patient immobilization, patient transfer techniques, bolus, vitals signs and basic patient care. Students are assigned a mentor for the development of a master-apprentice relationship.
RT 3321 Clinical Education II (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides supervised clinical education in which students are required to demonstrate basic to intermediate ARRT and Programmatic competencies in treatment planning and delivery, quality assurance, patient care, brachytherapy and professional growth. Students are assigned a mentor for the development of a master-apprentice relationship.
RT 3322 Clinical Education III (3 semester credit hours)
Continuation of RT 3321
RT 4101 Radiation Safety and Protection (1 semester credit hour)
This course requires the student to demonstrate a detailed understanding of atomic structure, types of ionizing radiation, radiation detection devices, units of measurement, personal and public radiation safety practices and dose limitations from brachytherapy sources and external beam radiation devices. The course identifies radiation regulatory and advisory agencies and the specific requirements of each.
RT 4210 Radiobiology (2 semester credit hours)
This course presents the students with cellular, subcellular and tissue biology. The course requires the students to discriminate between types of cellular damage caused by ionizing radiation. Additionally, students are exposed to proliferation kinetics, fractionated radiotherapy, acute and chronic effects of radiation on human cells and body systems, principles of linear energy transfer and relative biologic effectiveness and the impact of radiosensitizers and radioprotectors on patient treatment.
RT 4302 Anatomy in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course addresses the anatomical study of the human body in topographical, sagittal, transverse and coronal planes.
RT 4305 Patient Care in Radiation Oncology (3 semester credit hours)
The focus of this course is providing the student with advanced skills in oncologic patient care and assessment. Students are required to demonstrate, under varying patient conditions, physical and psychological assessment, cause and effect of clinical laboratory values, management of oncologic emergencies and treatment regimes of radiation induced site-specific treatment side effects. This course contains a laboratory component.
RT 4306 Technical Radiation Oncology (3 semester credit hours)
Students master basic concepts of radiation therapy and the technical aspects of radiation oncology, including: custom block, mold and immobilization fabrication, B-mode acquisition and targeting, intensity modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, intraoperative radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Principles of surgery and chemotherapy along with routine simulation procedures in radiation oncology are presented. Students are required to participate in hands-on simulation laboratory activities.
RT 4307 Clinical Radiation Oncology (2-3 semester credit hours)
This course presents an in-depth study of multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient from the clinician’s viewpoint. Students are required to master concepts specific to site-specific disease including: histopathology, etiologic and epidemiology factors, detection and diagnosis, tumor stage and grade, routes of metastases, dose fractionation and prognostic factors. This course is designed to approach each cancer type by anatomic system, addressing treatment factors with increasing degrees of complexity.
Prerequisite for Radiation Therapy students: RT 4306
RT 4308 Practical Radiation Oncology (2-3 semester credit hours)
This course is a continuation of RT 4307. Radiation Therapy students are required to participate in a hands-on lab (1).
Prerequisite: RT 4307
RT 4309 Special Applications in Radiation Oncology (3 semester credit hours)
This course presents principles of advanced practice -- such as fusion imaging, respiratory gating, stereotactic radiosurgery -- and current advancements in treatment techniques.
RT 4310 Radiation Therapy Physics (3 semester credit hours)
This course reviews atomic structure, interactions with matter and inverse square law. A detailed study is presented of the operation and function of radiotherapeutic equipment to include linear accelerators, cobalt units, superficial and orthovoltage units. Students are required to identify equipment faults and the appropriate responses to clearing faults. Equivalent Square and interpolation of data are introduced. Acquisition of radiation beam data, parameters required in accurate dose calculation, the effects of wedges, blocking, filters and beam configuration are discussed. Students are required to demonstrate accurate dose calculations for various beam configurations.
RT 4311 Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning and Dosimetry (3 semester credit hours)
This course stresses the application of brachytherapy calculative techniques, evaluation of distributions to calculate implant duration, analysis of emerging technology and terminology as they relate to current practice, comparing and contrasting hand calculations and combinations to computer output and applying formula calculations to advanced and complex treatment problems. Specific disease and site-specific concepts of treatment planning and medical dosimetry are presented. Students demonstrate their understanding of external photon and electron beam treatment planning in the production and analysis of treatment plans for head and neck, central nervous system, thoracic, breast, abdominal and pelvic tumors.
Prerequisite: RT 4310
RT 4312 Quality Management in Radiation Oncology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is an in-depth study of quality management and quality assurance components in radiation oncology. Students are required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to develop a quality management program that includes: allocation of human and physical resources; quality assurance and acceptance testing of linear accelerators, simulators and brachytherapy sources; patient and personnel protection policies; and patient and professional satisfaction. Data collection and analysis of quality indicators are required. Students are required to complete a hands-on laboratory component.
RT 4320 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy I (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides supervised clinical education in which students are required to demonstrate ARRT competency in treatment planning and delivery, quality assurance, patient care, block and mold fabrication, brachytherapy procedures along with advanced program competencies and professional growth. Students are assigned a mentor for the development of a master-apprentice relationship.
RT 4321 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy II (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides supervised clinical education in which students are required to demonstrate ARRT competency in treatment planning and delivery, quality assurance, patient care, block and mold fabrication, brachytherapy procedures along with advanced program competencies and professional growth. Students are assigned a mentor for the development of a master-apprentice relationship.
Prerequisite: RT 4320
RT 4322 Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy III (3 semester credit hours)
This course is a continuation of RT 4321. Students are assigned a mentor for the development of a master-apprentice relationship and will be responsible for a demonstration of final competency.
Prerequisite: RT 4321
RT 4390 Adaptive Radiation Therapy (3 semester credit hours)
Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills related to the daily issues of a radiation oncology department.
Situations presented will require technical and professional judgment as they relate to accuracy of patient treatment. Continued professional development through national certification, state licensure and life-long learning opportunities will be emphasized.