University of Virginia Health System

Program Description Joint Review Committee Mission Statement  Goals Admission Policies Required General Education Content Further Qualifications Other Requirements Application & Admission Course of Study     Didactic Course Sequence Clinical Education Health & Insurance Tuition Attendance & Vacation Graduation Requirements Deadline Download Application

Program Description

The radiation therapist is an integral member of a team of specialists that are primarily concerned with the treatment of malignant disease through the use of ionizing radiation. The radiation therapist is responsible for implementing the treatment plan prescribed by the radiation oncologist (a physician specializing in the therapeutic use of x-rays and radioactive materials) and for providing patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures.

The demand for skilled radiation therapists is creating employment possibilities throughout the United States.  According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 edition, "Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations during the 2004-2014 period.  As the U.S. population grows and ages, demand will increase for radiation treatment.  As radiation (therapy) technology advances, radiation treatment will be prescribed for an increasing proportion of cancer patients.  In addition to new jobs created over the projection period, a number of job openings will result as experienced radiation therapists retire or leave the occupation for other reasons." 

If you are a registered Radiographer or Nuclear Medicine technologist seeking to advance your career in the Radiation Sciences, and if you enjoy working with cancer patients and highly sophisticated technology, the Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Virginia Health System invites you to apply.

This 15-month, hospital-based, certificate program is a graduate program of the Radiologic Sciences and has a long history of excellence in teaching the radiation therapy community. Between 1969 and 1996, 140 students graduated from the program. 

Following temporary closure due to changes in the health care environment, the program reopened in October 2003.  Since that time, 15 students have graduated from the program; all were placed in Radiation Therapy jobs within 6 mths. of graduation; 100% pass rate on the ARRT Board Exam in Radiation Therapy - 13 out of 15 passed on the first try, with average passing grade above the national average of 82.2.

The Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapy Examination for certification and recognition. Questions concerning accreditation may be directed to:

20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850 , Chicago , IL 60606-3182
Tel: (312) 704-5300              Fax: (312) 704-5304
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org
Web Site: http://www.jrcert.org

1. To provide a didactic and clinical education consistent with the ASRT 2004 Radiation Therapy Professional Curriculum.

2. To foster ethical standards consistent with the ARRT® Standards of Ethics.

3. To promote the development of integrative critical thinking, and written and verbal communication skills.

4.To encourage students to continue their scholarly and professional activities after graduation by becoming active in local, state, and national radiation therapy organizations; by furthering their own education; and/or by contributing to the education of others.

Admission Policies

• Be a graduate of a JRCERT accredited or college accredited Radiography program and certified as a Diagnostic Radiographer by the ARRT.
• Be a graduate of a JRCNMT accredited program in Nuclear Medicine Technology and certified as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist by the NMTCB or the ARRT.
• AND must show proof of successful completion (grade of C) of the following pre-requisite college-level (or equivalent*) course contents: (Courses taken more than 10 years ago might not qualify)

Required General Education Content 

1. Human Anatomy - This content will include terminology, organization of the human organism at the cellular, tissue and organ levels. Structures of human systems including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, sensory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive will be covered. To facilitate understanding, a laboratory section is recommended.
2. Human Physiology – This content will include a general introduction of the functional integration of all human body systems including: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, sensory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. To facilitate understanding the content material, a laboratory section is recommended.
3. College Algebra – This content will include a study of the real number system, algebra of sets, exponents, equations and inequalities, polynomial functions, graphing, radical expressions, operations, inverses of function, equations of lines and systems of linear equations and elementary statistics.
4. Precalculus Mathematics – This content will include a study of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their applications, ruler and compass constructions, plane analytic geometry, Cartesian and polar coordinates, Pythagorean theorem, Law of Sines, combinations and permutations, algebra sets and normal distribution.
5. Computer Science – This content will include the study of computers and computing, hardware, software and systems and solution of problems, including problem-solving techniques, algorithm development and programming, information storage and accessibility, and computer networking and internetworking.
6. General Physics – This content will include the application of physical principles, conservation laws, gravitation, wave motion, heat and thermodynamics as it relates to scientific disciplines.  This may be included in the pre-requisite Radiation Physics Course, but must show proof by submitting a course description.
7. English College Composition I - Develops ability to write and read effectively for study, work, and other areas of life. Guides students in composing essays, letters, abstracts, annotations, and other nonfiction prose for different purposes and audiences. Includes selected readings, sample writings, library research, and documentation. Supports writing and reading by integrating experiences in thinking, listening, and speaking. Stresses thoughtful exploration, revision, and editing.

*If you completed these as AP courses in high school and received college credit for them, they will be considered equivalent.  Please note this on your application.
*If your Radiologic Science Program offered these courses, but is not affiliated with a college, you may have the course descriptions evaluated by our program for equivalency.  Please note this on your application, and send copies of all course descriptions.

Further Qualifications Include the Following:

• Academically no less than a C (2.0) overall average in the approved pre-requisite program
• Strong background in Mathematics and Physics
• Minimum SAT score of 850 (prior to 2004.  SATs taken after 2004 require 425 in each of the reading, math and writing sections) or minimum ACT score of 18.  (Not required if you have a baccalaureate or higher degree.)
• Responsible, emotionally stable, mature, and motivated with a desire to work with cancer patients
• Professional attitude; goal oriented, independent learner
  

Other Requirements:

• Completion of Program application form with a non-refundable $40 application fee, including 300 word autobiographical essay.
• Submission of official high school, college and technical Program transcripts.
• Submission of a copy of current ARRT or NMTCB certification, if applicable.
• Submission of at least 3 reference forms.
• Documentation of  at least 24 hours of clinical observation period in a Radiation Therapy Department, within the past 3 years.
• Interview by the Admissions Committee.
• Ability to meet the physical and technical standards necessary for the course of study (listed on application form) .

Technical Standards Appropriate for Radiation Therapy

In order to complete the clinical assignments of the Program and to perform all procedures required of the radiation therapist in the work place, applicants to the Radiation Therapy Program must be willing and able to do the following:

Corrective devices are permitted to meet the minimum requirements.

1. Communicate in English in order to converse with and instruct patients, to relieve their anxiety and to gain their cooperation and confidence during the treatment process.
2. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with patients and staff members.
3. Routinely lift 20-45 lbs. over your head (blocks, treatment cones, wedges, and other treatment devices).
4. Work standing on your feet more than 80% of your daily responsibilities.
5. Routinely push and pull, bend and stoop, kneel or squat, frequent reaching and manual dexterity in handling accessory equipment for treatment purposes.
6. Push standard wheelchairs or stretchers and assist in transferring patients onto and off treatment tables.
7. Visually align patients, equipment and film while working in dim lighting.
8. Distinguish colors on a computer screen and patient markings.
9. Monitor patients during treatment visually and via audio monitors.
10. Visual and audio acuity adequate for the perception and interpretation of equipment signals and background sounds during equipment operations.
11. Input patient treatment data into treatment consoles and computers using keyboards.
12. Read and apply patient set-up instructions as stated in treatments charts, electronic or hardcopy.
13. Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a simulation or treatment procedure in the proper sequence.
14. Work with immunosuppressed patients and patients who may have a communicable disease.
15. Fabricate patient shielding blocks, which may contain heavy metals and produce vapors that may cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation in hypersensitive individuals.

APPLICATION & ADMISSION PROCEDURES
For a printable application  click here.

For a printable reference form click here

Send the completed application form, with the application fee, and all sections completed, including 3 references to the Program address as soon as possible but no later than the deadline, April 1, for August enrollment. We begin accepting applications in October.

• If you are in the process of completing your pre-requisites, please indicate this on the completed application form, with anticipated dates of completion.
• Pre-requisites do not have to be completed in order to apply.
• When the application has been received by the Program, the Program will notify you.
• When all necessary information has been received to complete the processing of your application, and if you meet the preliminary requirements, you will be notified and invited for a personal interview.
• Each qualified applicant must come for a personal interview, and spend the day in the UVAHS Radiation Oncology Dept. interviewing with Admission/Selection Committee members, taking an assessment test, observing in the clinic and spending the lunch hour with students enrolled in the Program.
• Interviewees will be given a time-frame for notification of selection an admission decision, but all notifications will be made by May 30.
• The Admission/Selection Committee meets after all applicants have been interviewed to select the best qualified applicants and alternates. Minimum class capacity for this particular year is determined ahead of time by the Advisory Committee, according to the needs of the region and the needs of the field. Maximum total program capacity is 12 students per year (including juniors and seniors). 
• The Admissions Committee uses a Selection Scoring Mechanism to assist  in the final assessment of each candidate, and to provide a ranking system. This mechanism gives points for:
  • Radiography Program or Nuclear Medicine Program GPA
  • pre-requisite college course GPA
  • Math/X-ray Physics Assessment (weighted) - administered at UVAMC
  • SAT/ACT score (if applicable)
  • Baccalaureate or other advanced degree
  • Faculty interview scores
  • Autobiographical essay
  • Recommendations from references
• When an applicant is chosen for admission, a letter is sent to offer a student position. The student is requested to send a letter stating his/her intentions by a specified date, usually 2-3 weeks following the receipt of the letter.
  
  

Course of Study

Students must participate in the Program 40 hours per week, M – F. Clinical hours account for approx. 1575 hrs. Didactic hours account for approx. 850 hrs.  The first semester of the didactic schedule will include 3 class days per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00 – 4:30 . Tuesdays and Thursdays are full, 8 hr. clinic days. Scheduled clinic hours depend on the clinical site and the needs for clinical instruction. Clinic and didactic hours should not exceed 8 hrs. per day. 30 minutes for lunch is allotted during clinic days. 30 mins.-1 hour for lunch during class days. The second and third semester class days will be two per week, with 3 full clinic days. During the fourth semester, classes will be one full day per week, with 4 clinic days. All classes are held at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Didactic Course Sequence:

Fall (Aug. – Dec.) 1st Semester, 16 weeks (22 credit hrs.)

RT 200  Intro to Radiation Therapy & Simulation Procedures  
(3 hrs/wk.) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 201  Cross-Sectional Anatomy (3 hrs/wk.) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 202  Radiation Safety & Protection (3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 204  Clinical Oncology I (3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 205  Patient Care & Management (3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs)

RT 206  Radiation Therapy Physics I
(4.5 hrs. per  week) (4 cred. hrs.)

RT 208  Clinical Education I (16 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

Winter (Jan. – April ) 2nd Semester 16 weeks (15 credit hrs.)

RT 301  Radiobiology (2 hrs/wk) (2 cred. hrs.)

RT 302  Psychology of the Cancer Patient (2 hrs/wk) (2 cred. hrs.)

RT 303  Treatment Planning I (2hrs/wk) (2 cred. hrs.)

RT 304  Clinical Oncology II (2 hrs/wk) (2 cred. hrs.)

RT 306  Radiation Therapy Physics II (3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 308  Clinical Education II (24 hrs/wk) (4 cred. hrs.) 

Spring/Summer (April  – Aug) 3rd Semester 16 weeks (19 credit hrs.)

RT 309  Research (3 hrs/wk & independent study) (3 cred. hrs)

RT 310  Quality Management & Lab(3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.) 

RT 311  Case Presentations (4 hrs/wk) (4 cred. hrs.) 

RT 312  Treatment Planning II (3 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 313  Clinical Education III  (24 hrs/wk) (4 cred. hrs.)

Fall (Aug.  – Nov.) 4th Semester 12 weeks (11 credit hrs.)

RT 315  Research and Presentation  (1 hr/wk) (1 cred. hr.)

RT 320  Review Classes (4 hrs/wk) (3 cred. hrs.)

RT 321  Professional Preparation (2 hrs/wk) (2 cred. hrs.)

RT 323  Clinical Education IV (32 hrs/wk) (5 cred. hrs.)

Total credit hours = 67
Final Comprehensive Exam - Mid-Oct. (4th semester) (3 hrs)
Graduation - Mid-November

Didactic Faculty include the Program Director, UVAHS Medical Physicists, UVAHS Radiation Oncology Nursing Staff, UVAHS Radiation Oncology Physicians and Residents, UVAHS Medical Dosimetrists, and registered Radiation Therapists.  Guest lecturers from other UVAHS Clinical Departments, as well as visiting professors from other institutions make for a well-rounded education.  Students may attend tumor boards, chart-rounds and in-services depending on the assigned clinical site.  Field trips for observation at other clinical sites of interest may be scheduled.

Clinical Education Sequence:

Clinical rotations will include time spent on a variety of Treatment Units (5 rotations), Simulators (Conventional and/or CT Sim & Mold Room) (3 rotations), Nursing (2 weeks), and Dosimetry (5 weeks).

Clinical rotations begin the second week of the Program.
1st semester - RT 208 - two 8-week rotations (1 linac, 1 simulator)
2nd semester - RT 308 - two 8-week rotations (1 linac, 1 simulator)
3rd semester - RT 313 - one 2-week rotation (Nursing), one 8-week rotation (linac), one 6-week rotation (simulator)
4th semester - RT 323 - one 4-week rotation (Dosimetry), two 4-week rotations (1 linac, 1 Tomotherapy)

JRCERT recognized Clinical Education sites include:      

• University of Virginia Medical Center (Charlottesville)
• UVAHS Moser Radiation Therapy Center (Charlottesville)
• Mary Washington Hospital, Cancer Center of Virginia (Fredericksburg)
• Rockingham Memorial Hospital (Harrisonburg)
• Augusta Medical Center (Fishersville)

Each site has a designated Clinical Supervisor (CS) responsible for students when they are assigned there. Students may not be assigned to every site, but a minimum of three different sites is required. Students will not be allowed to complete all of their clinical rotations at only one site.

Clinical Evaluation & Competencies: Each student will be evaluated on performance and progress by the staff therapists they are assigned to at least twice during the 6-8 week rotation, and once during a 2-5 week rotation.The student will be tested orally by the CS or Program Director at the end of the rotation on the objectives, machine warm-up, QA, etc. Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 43 clinical competencies (ARRT mandated) in order to graduate. The registered staff therapist you are working with will be responsible for assessing/evaluating and documenting your competencies.

Tuition $2800.00

Each accepted student must submit an $800 deposit by July 1.  The remaining balance of the tuition fee will be made according to the following schedule:
Second payment of $1,000 is due by the first day of the first semester of the Program (August).
Third and final payment of $1000.00 is due by the first day of the third semester (April).  These monies are non-refundable in the event that a student withdraws from the Program.  These fees do not include uniforms, housing, Board Exam application fee or book expenses. Books will cost approximately $550.

The UVAMC Radiation Program does not have academic status with the University of Virginia and no credits are issued from this Institution at the present time.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND TRANSFER CREDIT

The structure of this program does not allow for advanced placement or transfer students.

Health & Insurance

The Program does not provide health insurance for students. All students are provided limited medical care through the UVAHS Employee Health Department. This includes a physical examination at the beginning of the school year as well as minor medical attention thereafter. Students are encouraged to have their own health insurance for major health problems.

Attendance & Vacation

Students are expected to be in attendance 40 hrs./wk, 8 hrs./day from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM- Monday through Friday unless otherwise designated by the Program Director or Clinical Supervisor. A leave of absence is only granted under extenuating circumstances. The training period includes 15 leave days (120 hours), which may be used for vacation and/or sick leave, plus approximately 6-8 holidays annually when the program is closed.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Before a student, who is enrolled in the Radiation Therapy Program, can graduate from the Program, he or she must fulfill the following requirements and obligations:

• Students must have successfully completed the academic requirements of the Program, with a final grade of at least 75% in all courses, and at least a grade of 75% on the Final Comprehensive Examination. 
• Students must have successfully completed the clinical requirements of the Program, with a C+ GPA, including completion and approval of all clinical objectives in written form in the required notebook, and successful completion of all required clinical competencies. 

• Students must have made up all excess sick and vacation leave time.

• Students must have returned all borrowed property of the Program, Clinical Departments and Affiliates, libraries, and paid any fines incurred.

• Student has satisfactorily completed and presented a research paper relevant to Radiation Therapy.

• Students must be present at the graduation ceremony.

Students are not eligible to take the ARRT Examination for Radiation Therapy until they have completed the above requirements.

Deadline for submitting applications for the class of 2009 is April 1, 2009.

For More Information Contact:

Frances R. Taylor, B.A., R.T.(R)(T)
Program Director, Radiation Therapy Program
Department of Radiation Oncology
University of Virginia Health System
Box 800383 Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: 434.243.2760 or 434.924.5191
Email : frt@virginia.edu

Disclaimer Clause:
The University of Virginia Medical Center Radiation Therapy Program reserves the right to change any provision or requirement at any time within the student's term of enrollment.  Any changes will be made known to the student in a timely manner.