Radiation Therapy

Program Director   Shaun T. Caldwell, M.S.

Associate Program Director  Jessica Church, M.P.H.

The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker, Ste. 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304

Mission

The mission of the Radiation Therapy Program is to provide the highest quality of education to radiation therapy students through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences that prepare the student to deliver superior patient care and treatment in all aspects of radiation therapy.

Vision

We shall be the premier provider of education for radiation therapy professionals based on best practices and research in radiation oncology.

Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1. Students will be clinically competent.
Student Learning Outcomes
        1. Students will accurately assess the patient's status prior to discharge from their care.
        2. Students will demonstrate reproduction of the patient's initial setup.
        3. Students will demonstrate superior paitent care skills.

Goal 2. Students will display critical thinking skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
        1. Students will evaluate and interpret data.
        2. Students will recognize discrepancies in treatment.
        3. Students will develop solutions to clinical situations.

Goal 3. Students will display effective communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
        1. Students will communicate with patients.
        2. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
        3. Students will demonstrate oral presentation skills.

Goal 4. Students will demonstrate professionalism.
Student Learning Outcomes
        1. Students will discuss patient information and setup out of hearing of inappropriate people.
        2. Students will assume full responsibility for their actions.
        3. Students will accept constructive criticism.

The program has developed affiliations with medical institutions across the United States, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified radiation therapist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories.

• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • West Houston
  • League City
  • Proton Therapy Center
  • Sugar Land
  • Texas Medical Center
  • The Woodlands

The goal of Radiation Therapy is to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor while sparing the normal tissues. The Radiation Therapist is an integral part of the health care team. Radiation Therapists have significant patient interaction daily. A Radiation Therapist plans, delivers, records and monitors radiation therapy treatments.

According to The Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (pdf) published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT),

“Radiation therapy integrates scientific knowledge, technical competence and patient interaction skills to provide safe and accurate treatment with compassion. A radiation therapist recognizes patient conditions essential for the successful completion of simulation and treatment.

Radiation therapists must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, human physiology, pathology and medical terminology.

In addition, comprehension of oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, radiation oncology techniques, radiation safety and the psychosocial aspects of cancer are required. They must maintain a high degree of accuracy in positioning and treatment techniques. Radiation therapists must possess, use and maintain knowledge about radiation protection and safety. Radiation therapists assist the radiation oncologist to localize the treatment area, participate in treatment planning and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

Radiation therapists are the primary liaison between patients and other members of the radiation oncology team. They also provide a link to other health care providers, such as social workers and dietitians. Radiation therapists must remain sensitive to the needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and patient care skills. Radiation therapy often involves daily treatments extending over several weeks using highly sophisticated equipment. It requires thorough initial planning as well as constant patient care and monitoring. As members of the health care team, radiation therapists participate in quality improvement processes and continually assess their professional performance.

Radiation therapists think critically and use independent, professional and ethical judgments in all aspects of their work. They engage in continuing education, to include their area of practice, to enhance patient care, radiation safety, public education, knowledge and technical competence.”  (ASRT, 2017, p. RT3).

Credentialing Exam

Five-year average credentialing examination (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography exam) pass rate of not less than 85 percent at first attempt within six months of graduation.

5-Year Average   88% (87 of 99 passed)

Program Completion

Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the clinical phase of the program within 150% of the stated program length. The program length for the clinical phase of the program is 20 months and program completion rate is defined as those students graduating within 20 months of beginning the clinical phase of the program.

5-Year Average   88% (114 admitted; 100 graduated)