Radiation Therapy Technology (B.S.)
Program Overview
Introduction to Radiation Therapy Technology
Radiation therapy technology is a health care discipline that utilizes ionizing radiation for the treatment of malignant diseases. This field requires a basic understanding of and interest in science, especially mathematics and physics, as well as emotional maturity and a desire to assist in the management of patient care.
Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy Technology
The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Radiation Therapy Technology at Wayne State University is designed to prepare students for the technical, theoretical, and psychological aspects of this career. Radiation therapists are typically employed in hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and commercial equipment corporations as staff therapists, clinical supervisors, administrators, educators, and technical marketing personnel.
Role of a Radiation Therapist
A radiation therapist is able to:
- Operate sophisticated radiation equipment to deliver a planned course of radiation therapy
- Assist the physicist in quality assurance and in treatment planning procedures, and in the calibration of equipment
- Observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy, and recognize when a patient's condition requires the attention of a physician
- Assist in providing psychosocial support for patients who are dealing with the stress of their illness
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy Technology is a four-year degree program consisting of two years of pre-professional courses and two years of professional courses. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and complies with the professional curriculum of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Admission to the Pre-professional Program
The first two years (pre-professional program) are taken in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a Pre-Radiation Therapy major. The admission requirements of which are satisfied by general admission to the University. Students should consult with the University Advising Center regarding course selection.
Recommended High School Preparation
Students interested in a career in radiation therapy technology should take as many of the following high school courses as possible: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, keyboarding, speech, and composition.
Admission to the Professional Program
Admission to the professional program requires completion of the above pre-professional course requirements and satisfaction of specific admission requirements. The application deadline is November 30 for matriculation into the professional program for the subsequent spring/summer term.
Professional Program Admission Requirements
The student applying to the professional program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Completion of all pre-professional courses (or their equivalents) by the end of the winter term for spring semester program start.
- Hold a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.7 math and science prerequisite GPA.
- Completion of a RTT Program Application and submission of all required documentation.
- Submission of official transcripts from all college institutions attended.
- Attendance at a Monthly College Information Meeting.
- Two clinical visits to affiliate institutions.
- Submission of two references from an employer/supervisor and a college professor/advisor.
- Completion of at least 57 credit hours before starting the professional program requirements.
- Satisfaction of the University General Education requirements.
Pre-professional Program
Each of the following required pre-professional courses (or its equivalent) must be completed with a minimum grade of C (2.00 GPA). The courses include:
- Basic Life Diversity and Laboratory
- Basic Life Mechanisms and Laboratory
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Survey of General Chemistry
- Oral Communication: Basic Speech
- Introductory College Writing
- Intermediate Writing
- Elementary Functions
- Critical Thinking
- Physics for the Life Sciences I and Laboratory
- Physics for the Life Sciences II and Laboratory
- American Government
- Introductory Psychology
- Psychology of Everyday Living, Developmental Psychology, or Health Psychology
Professional Program
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy Technology must complete a minimum of 120 credits, including professional coursework, the University General Education Requirements, and any needed elective credit. The total course work will be distributed between two years of pre-professional courses and the two-year professional program.
Degree Requirements
The professional program includes courses such as:
- Concepts of Clinical Care
- Introductory Radiation Physics
- Clinical Radiation Physics
- Clinical Aspects of Radiation Therapy
- Topographic Anatomy and Medical Imaging
- Therapeutic Interactions in Oncology Care
- Clinical Practicum I, II, III, IV, V, VI
- Pathophysiology for Health Sciences
- Clinical Radiation Oncology
- Basic Clinical Dosimetry
- Oncologic Pathology
- Radiobiology of Radiation Oncology
- Radionuclide Physics
- Radiation Therapy Technology Seminar
- Quality Assurance
- Directed Study in Radiation Therapy Technology
Scholarship
Students in the professional program are subject to high academic and professional standards. A grade of 'C' (2.00) or above is required in each professional course, and the student must maintain a term grade point average of 2.70 throughout the program.
Liability Insurance
Each student is required to have professional liability insurance during the entire length of the professional program.
Radiation Therapy Technology Honors
The Radiation Therapy Technology Honors Program is an opportunity for students to learn more about areas in radiation therapy that peak their interest. To participate, students must graduate with a minimum cumulative university GPA of 3.5, complete an Honors Seminar course, and meet specific GPA requirements for each honors level.
Honors Requirements
- Graduate with a minimum cumulative university GPA of 3.5
- Complete an Honors Seminar course
- Meet specific GPA requirements for each honors level
- Complete specific honors courses, such as Therapeutic Interactions in Oncology Care, Radiation Therapy Technology Seminar, and Clinical Practicum VI