University of Michigan Flint

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "University of Michigan Flint"

Felicia Bradley
5 years ago
Views:

1 University of Michigan Flint Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy B.S., R.T.(T) What does this degree prepare me to do? This four-year degree prepares you to become a competent and caring radiation therapist. What does a radiation therapist do? A radiation therapist is a caregiver. Radiation therapists deliver direct patient care to patients receiving radiation therapy. Radiation therapists are part of a multidisciplinary team that treats patients who have cancer using radiation. Radiation therapists follow the directions of a doctor -a radiation oncologist, who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. Is working with radiation safe? Working as a radiation therapist is perfectly safe. Many female therapists get pregnant and work until delivery time. All personnel in the radiation oncology department wear monitor badges that will show radiation exposure if it occurs. It is very rare that any exposure is recorded. When exposure is recorded it is usually because a badge fell off and was in the treatment room when the radiation beam was on. Therapists are never in the treatment room when the beam is on. There are numerous safeguards in a radiation oncology department that prevent accidental exposure and to reduce any exposure at all. Where do radiation therapists work? Many hospitals, cancer centers, and privately owned clinics have radiation oncology departments. Radiation therapists are not the technologists who work in the emergency room or the doctor s office taking chest x-rays. Radiation therapists treat patients using radiation. Radiation therapists do not diagnose illnesses using radiation, x-ray technologists do that. Radiation therapists are highly trained professionals who work with very technical equipment to deliver high doses of radiation to a well-defined location within the patient. Radiation therapists can work in any state and even outside of the United States. Some states require a license in addition to being nationally registered. Upon graduation from the RTT program students are eligible to take the national registry examination. Students must pass this exam to work as a radiation therapist. What is the typical salary for an entry-level radiation therapist? It depends on the geographic location. In southeast Michigan the average annual salary for an entry-level position ranges from about $54,000-58,000 (2007). Revised

2 University of Michigan Flint- Department of Radiation Therapy (RTT) 2102 W.S. White Building (810) FAX (810) Director: Kelly A. Brown, MPA, RT(T) (810) Secretaries: Karen Curtis Dianne Scrimger (810) (810) The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy is a four-year, 127 credit, baccalaureate degree program. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the radiation therapy certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The profession of Radiation Therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation in the treatment of disease, primarily cancer. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. As a team member, the radiation therapist administers the radiation to the exact area of the patient's body as prescribed by a physician. In order to effectively treat the patients, various types of equipment are utilized, such as high-energy linear accelerators. In addition, radiation therapists monitor the patient's progress while they are receiving radiation therapy, observe the patients for signs of complications, and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician is consulted. The structure of the Radiation Therapy program includes two years of general education requirements and pre-professional courses. The professional program begins in the summer of the junior year and continues for 22 consecutive months through April of the senior year. The didactic classes in the junior year are taught on the University of Michigan-Flint campus. Didactic classes taught in the senior year, are held at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. The clinical practicum begins September of the junior year. Juniors attend clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am -3:30pm. Seniors attend Monday-Friday from 7:00am to 3:30pm in the spring and summer and in the Fall and Winter semester on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00am to 3:30pm. The student is required to do one week of early shift to learn quality assurance procedures in RTT 403, 404 and 405. The student will never exceed forty hours of combined classroom and clinical time per week. University of Michigan-Flint students applying to the program can obtain an application by contacting the Program Office, 2102 W.S. White Building. The Radiation Therapy Program Director must receive completed applications, including all references by May 1 of the calendar year of the intended summer semester enrollment. Students will be admitted in the summer term only. In order to be admitted to the program all prerequisite courses must be successfully completed. Students applying to the program who are not UM-Flint students at the time of application must also submit a completed UM-Flint application including any transfer transcripts, indicating "Radiation Therapy" as the proposed field of study. Forms to apply for admission to the University are available from the Office of Admissions, from the Program Director, and also online at Revised

3 All qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the Admissions Committee. However, should the number of applications to the program far exceed the number of positions available the program's Admissions Committee reserves the right to limit the number of interviewed applicants to two times the number of positions available in the class. The Radiation Therapy Program at UM-Flint is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL (312) Requirements for admission into the radiation therapy program: 1. Completion of all general education and the pre-professional courses: The courses below must be completed with no grade lower than a C: a. UNV 100* b. ENG 112 c. MTH 111, 120, 121 d. CPR certification e. HCR 300, 304, 362, 487; PHS 315 f. PSY 100, SOC 100 g. CIS 128 h. Fine Arts Course (3) j. PHL 168 k. MTP 320 l. Global Studies Course (3) The courses below must be completed with a minimum grade of B-: a. BIO 167, 168 b. PHY 143, 145 *Only required if transferring 25 or fewer credits. Students wishing to pursue a Radiation Therapy degree with more than 25 credits completed before fall 2010, or who transfer more than 25 credits into the University should seek the advice of Kelly Brown, the Program Director, at brownkel@umflint.edu or These courses may be taken at UM-Flint, or equivalent courses may be transferred from another accredited institution. In some instances specific courses may be waived in consultation with the Program Director. 2. Students must spend a minimum of sixteen of observation in a Radiation Therapy Department. All clinic observation hours will be arranged through the Program Director. 3. Acceptance to the University of Michigan-Flint and completion of the supplemental radiation therapy program application. You may apply for general admission on-line at The radiation therapy program s supplemental application is available at: Three references are required: Revised

4 - a personal character reference - an academic reference-or two character references - an employment reference Revised

5 5. Prior to beginning the clinical component of the program (fall semester), the student is required to have a complete physical. The completed physical form will be kept in the office of the Program Director. Immunizations must be up to date and documented on the physical form by a physician. The physical form can be downloaded from the program website. Students are advised to make an appointment for the physical when they apply to the program since it often takes several weeks to get all of the necessary information gathered/tests completed required on the form. Also, students must maintain current CPR certification while in the program. 6. Students must be able to perform the following: a. Have sufficient strength to assist patients in transferring from a wheelchair or cart to the treatment couch. This will involve lifting at times. b. Have sufficient strength, coordination and dexterity to lift and position cerrobend blocks, electron cones and wedges up to 45 pounds to a height of 5'5". c. Have sufficient visual acuity to set machine field size, set monitor units on the machines, align treatment fields in dimly lit room, place blocks, review radiographs/drrs, view port films/images and monitor patients on a close-circuit television during treatment. d. Have sufficient auditory capability to hear warning bells in the treatment rooms and hospital fire alarms, as well as to monitor patients during treatment. e. Be capable of effective and concise verbal communication with patients, their families and other health care workers. f. Be physically, intellectually and emotionally able to respond to emergency situations, providing first aid, CPR and patient care until a physician or nurse arrives. g. Be capable of handling stressful situations, making informed decisions and giving emotional support to patients and their families. h. Be capable of understanding and applying clinical instructions given from departmental personnel. Once admitted into the program the student must earn a minimum grade of a B- in the RTT courses and the clinical practicum. Professional Courses: RTT 300 Basics of Radiation Therapy (3) Students will learn basic patient safety, infection control and clinical radiation therapy terms. RTT 301 Introduction to Radiation Therapy (3) An introduction to the activities and responsibilities of the radiation therapist including orientation to school and hospital policies, career insights, overview of techniques used in radiation therapy and essentials of procedures needed in the care of radiation oncology patients. Medical terminology specific to the field is reviewed. Prerequisite: Admission to professional program. RTT 311 Patient Care and Management (3) Patient care techniques with emphasis on those necessary in the care and examination of oncology patients, especially those receiving radiation therapy. Psychological considerations, management of emergencies, infection control, examination, medical-surgical asepsis and tube management will be presented. Prerequisite: HCR 120 and admission to professional program. Revised

6 RTT 321 Technical Radiation Oncology (3) Fundamental principles of atomic structure and matter, production and properties of radiation, interactions of photons, particulate radiation and measurement of absorbed dose are covered. Discussions will include different radiation therapy treatment units. Tumor localization utilizing simulators, beam directing devices and other technical consideration involved are presented. The role of the radiation therapist in disease management will be discussed. Prerequisite: RTT 301. RTT 341 Oncologic Pathology (3) Disease concepts including: inflammatory process, neoplasm, types of growth, causative factors, behavior of tumors and staging procedures. Tumors originating from specific sites and respective pathology will be discussed. Literature search of topics related to radiation oncology with written analysis of case studies on various malignancies. Oral presentation required. Prerequisite: BIO 167, 168 and admission to professional program. RTT 351 Clinical Practicum I (3) Supervised experience in the practice of radiation therapy technology. The student therapist will observe and participate in simulation procedure and delivery radiation treatment to patients in the Radiation Oncology Department of University of Michigan Medical Center and Providence Hospital. Patient care and management will be covered. Prerequisite: Admission to professional program. RTT 352 Clinical Practicum II (3) Continued supervised experience in the practice of radiation therapy technology. The student therapist will observe and participate in simulation procedure and delivery radiation treatment to patients in the Radiation Oncology Department of University of Michigan Medical Center and Providence Hospital. Patient care and management will be covered. Prerequisite: RTT 351 RTT 403 Clinical Practicum III (10) Continued supervised experience in simulation procedures and treatment delivery to patients. Prerequisite: RTT 352 RTT 404 Clinical Practicum IV (6) Continued supervised experience in simulation procedures and treatment delivery to patients. Prerequisite: RTT 403 RTT 405 Clinical Practicum V (6) Continued supervised experience in simulation procedures and treatment delivery to patients. Prerequisite: RTT 404 RTT 410 Mock Registry Reviews (2) Students practice taking mock registry exams to prepare for the ARRT exam. Prerequisite: RTT 404 Revised

7 RTT 423 Radiobiology (3) Biophysical principles of ionizing radiation and effects on living tissue with emphasis on radiosensitivity and response to radiation, including a review of cell biology. An introduction to hyperthermia as a treatment modality illustrating the cellular response to heat, methods of heating and interactions of heat and radiation. Prerequisite: BIO 167, 168, and admission to professional program. RTT 431 Radiation Physics I (3) Fundamental principles of atomic structure and matter, production and properties of radiation, interactions of photons, particulate radiation, measurements of radiation and measurement of absorbed dose are covered. Discussions will include different radiation therapy treatment units. Prerequisite: PHY 143, PHY 145 and admission to professional program. RTT 432 Radiation Physics II (3) Principles of radiation safety and quality assurance including the need for radiation protection, detection and measurement of radiation, regulatory agencies and regulations, personnel monitoring and practical radiation protection are presented. Also includes types and storage of brachytherapy sources, use and care of applicators, leak testing and surveys and accident procedures. Laboratory exercises included. RTT 433 Clinical Dosimetry (3) Basic concepts of clinical dosimetry including use of isodose charts, treatment planning, field defining apparatus and wedges. Different methods of dosimetric calculations are described. Emphasis is on conformal therapy, MLC dosimetry and three dimensional treatment planning. Prerequisite: RTT 431. RTT 444 Clinical Radiation Oncology (3) An overview of radiation oncology and its role in medicine as compared with surgery and chemotherapy as treatment modalities. Discussion of tumors including locations, etiology, detection, staging, grading and treatment. Oncologic emergencies are presented. Prerequisite: RTT 341. Revised

8 Pre-Professional Courses and General Requirements: Suggested Sequence FRESHMAN YEAR: Fall Winter Spring/Summer UNV 100 (3) ENG 112 (3) Spring **BIO 167 (4) **BIO 168 (4) MTH 121 (4) MTH 111 (3) MTH 120 (4) One course in global studiess (3) Fine Arts Course (3) CIS 128 (3) PSY 100 (3) 16 credits 14 credits 7 credits SOPHOMORE YEAR: Fall Winter Spring/ Summer **PHY 143 (4) MTP 320 (2) Summer SOC 100 (3) **PHY 145 (4) RTT 300 (3) HCR 300 (3) HCR 304 (3) NSC 168/PHL 168 (3) HCR 362 (3) 13 credits 12 credits 3 credits ** These courses require a minimum of a B- JUNIOR YEAR: Fall Winter Spring/Summer RTT 301 (3) RTT 321 (3) RTT 403 (10) RTT 311 (3) RTT 341 (3) RTT 351 (3) RTT 352 (3) PHS 315 (3) HCR 487 (3)s 12 credits 12 credits 10 credits SENIOR YEAR: Fall Winter Spring/Summer RTT 404 (6) RTT 405 (6) RTT 423 (3) RTT 410 (2) RTT 431 (3) RTT 432 (3) RTT 433 (2) RTT 444 (3) 12 credits 16 credits All RTT courses require a minimum of a B- to pass Graduation Requirements In order to graduate, the student must: Revised

9 1. Complete all didactic courses and clinical rotations 2. Complete all clinical objectives 3. Complete all projects and assignments given during the professional core 4. Maintain a B- in each RTT course 5. Have all clinical time made up 6. Have all fees paid 7. Demonstrate all competencies required of a Radiation Therapist, including but not limited to the following: Practice effective oral and written communications Maintain records of treatments administered Perform basic mathematical functions Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology Demonstrate knowledge of radiation physics in radiation interactions and radiation protection techniques Provide basic patient care and CPR Deliver a planned course of radiation therapy Verify a physician's prescribed course of radiation therapy and recognize errors in computation Demonstrate awareness of patterns of physical and emotional stress exhibited by patients Produce and utilize immobilization and beam directional devices Demonstrate knowledge of preparation of commonly used brachytherapy sources Demonstrate knowledge of methods of calibration of equipment and quality assurance Prepare isodose summations Detect malfunctioning equipment Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations for radiation safety and detect defects that pose a radiation hazard Demonstrate knowledge of functions of equipment and accessories Demonstrate knowledge of methods of patient follow-up Apply wedge and compensating filters Recognize patients' clinical progress, complications, and demonstrate knowledge of when to withhold treatment until a physician can be consulted Interact with patients and families concerning the physical and psychological needs of patients Demonstrate knowledge of record and verify systems Following Graduation students are eligible to take the ARRT Certification Examination to become registered Radiation therapists. For more information on the exam go to Revised

The ASRT is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy titled Medical Dosimetry.

The ASRT is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy titled Medical Dosimetry. To submit comments please access the public comment