Radiation therapy technologists learn about the use of radiation for cancer patients.
Radiation therapy technologists assist radiologists, licensed physicians, in implementing treatment plans for patients. Technologists, or therapists, administer radiation therapy to cancer patients through the operation of radiation equipment. Therapists require education and training in this field by attending schools. Once trained they must take exams and be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the organization responsible for testing and certifying radiation technologists.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Its School of Radiation Therapy in New York City offers a two-year full-time program in Radiation Oncology Technology. Since its establishment in 1970, this school has focused on the training students in the field of radiation therapy. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the examinations offered by ARRT in order to receive certification. The course requires four semesters of work with 2,038 clinical hours covering such offerings as clinical anatomy, radiation physics, principles of radiography, pathology, radiation oncology and many hours of clinical hands-on experience.
City College of San Francisco
As part of its Radiologic Sciences Department, this school in San Francisco, California, offers a full-time program in Radiation Therapy Technology leading to an Associate Degree in Science and eligibility for the ARRT examination and certification process. The program is two years with classroom work and clinical training conducted at Radiation Oncology Departments in the San Francisco area. Pre-requisites include courses in elementary algebra, chemistry with lab, elementary physics, anatomy, physiology and English.
Grady Health System
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Grady's School of Radiation and Imaging Technologies offers a program in Radiologic Technology and a program in Radiation Therapy. The radiologic technology program last 24 months and focuses on imaging training while the therapy program requires 12 months of study learning about treatment of cancer. Both programs prepare students for the ARRT accreditation process.
Bellevue College
Located in Bellevue, Washington, this school offers the only radiation therapy technology program in the State of Washington. The program consists of eight consecutive quarters including summer of full-time study leading to an Associate of Arts Degree in Radiation Therapy. The program includes course work and clinical applications. Upon graduation, a student can remain at Bellevue and pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in radiation and imaging sciences. All graduates are eligible for ARRT examination and certification.
Tags: program Radiation, this school, ARRT examination, ARRT examination certification, cancer patients
