Radiation TherapyImage of Radiation Symbol

 

At IPFW you may complete two years toward the Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy. You must apply and be admitted to the radiation therapy program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to complete the degree. Non-radiographers and radiographers may apply to the program.  Non-radiographers are those who are not registered in radiography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or who have not completed a radiography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.  Entry and program requirements vary depending on radiography background.  Completion of IPFW course work does not guarantee admission to the IUPUI program. Graduates receive their degree from the IU School of Medicine.

Overview

Radiation therapy involves the use of ionizing radiation for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors.  

Prerequisite Courses

Prior to entering IUPUI’s radiation therapy program, the student must complete the minimum prerequisites. These prerequisites may be completed at IPFW. Students should consult with an IPFW health sciences advisor for appropriate courses and semester sequencing.

Suggested Electives

The number of elective courses will differ for each student to complete a total of 50 credit hours of prerequisite course work. Additional electives may be required, before or during the professional program, to complete a minimum of 122 credit hours of academic course work for graduation.

ganic chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

IUPUI Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Criteria Used for Selection of Class

Admission to the radiation therapy program is based on an admission index composed of cumulative grade point average, mathematics and science grade point average, prerequisite courses grade point average, interview.

Application Deadline

December 1 of the year prior to desired entry

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average

2.50 on a 4.00 scale. This requirement is applied at the time of program application. Grades from remedial courses are not calculated in the grade point average of the prerequisite courses to determine the admission index.

Minimum Specific Grade Point Average

2.30 on a 4.00 scale for math and science course work. This requirement is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained. Grades from remedial courses are not calculated in the mathematics and science grade point average to determine the admission index.

Minimum Grade Requirement in a Stated Prerequisite Course

C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) 

Technical Standards

See IUPUI Health Professions Programs policy.

Interview

A personal interview is required. If the number of applications to the program far exceeds the number of positions available, the program’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to limit the number of applicants to be interviewed to two times the number of positions available in the class. Interviews are conducted in January.

Clinical Observation

The student must observe in a radiation oncology facility prior to applying to the program.

Additional Non-Radiographer Admission Requirements

Class Size

Admits 12 Non-radiographers

Minimum Number of Prerequisite Credits

50

Additional Radiographer Admission Requirements

Minimum Number of Prerequisite Credits

Satisfactory completion of general education and technical specialty requirements.

Minimum Number of Prerequisite Credits

2.30 on a 4.00 scale for radiography course work.

Minimum Number of Prerequisite Credits

Applicants must supply evidence of registration in radiography by the ARRT or completion of a radiography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, such as the Fort Wayne School of Radiography.  The technical specialty area is complete for applicants who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree in radiography.

The details of your prerequisite course work should be discussed with an IPFW health sciences advisor. You are also encouraged to consult an advisor at the IUPUI campus to discuss the degree by calling (317)278-4752 or by e-mail at askhpp@iupui.edu. The most current program information is found at http://msa.iusm.iu.edu/hpp/.

At IPFW you may complete the following courses:

  • ENG W131 - Elementary Composition I Cr. 3.
  • ENG W233 - Intermediate Expository Writing Cr. 3.
  • PSY 120 - Elementary Psychology Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 3

  • COM 114 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Cr. 3.
  • COM 212 - Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 5-6

  • MA 159 - Precalculus Cr. 5.

 

Or select:

 

  • MA 153 - Algebra and Trigonometry I Cr. 3.
  • and
  • MA 154 - Algebra and Trigonometry II Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 3

  • ETCS 106 - Introduction to Computers Cr. 3.

 

Or select:

 

Computer Orientation

 

  • BUS K211 - Spreadsheets for Business Cr. 1.
  • and
  • BUS K212 - Introduction to Database Management Cr. 1.
  • and
  • BUS K213 - Internet Literacy for Business Cr. 1.


Choose one of the following Credits: 8

  • BIOL 203 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 204 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.

 

Or select:

 

  • BIOL 215 - Basic Human Anatomy Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 216 - Basic Mammalian Physiology Cr. 4.


Choose one of the following Credits: 4-5

  • PHYS 201 - General Physics I Cr. 5.
  • PHYS 218 - General Physics Cr. 4.
  • PHYS 220 - General Physics Cr. 4.


Choose one of the following Credits: 1-3

  • AHLT R185 - Medical Terminology Cr. 1.
  • BIOL 105 - Medical Terminology Cr. 1.
  • NUR 106 - Medical Terminology Cr. 3.


Electives:

·  Business electives:  Cr. 6
·  Humanities elective:  Cr. 3
·  Social/Behavioral science elective:  Cr. 3
·  General electives to bring total credits to 50

Total Credits: 50

 

 

A Suggested Plan of Study

Freshman
Fall
ENG W131
3 cr
MA 153
3 cr
BIOL 203 or 215
4 cr
Humanities Elective
3 cr
Total
13 cr
   
Spring
COM 114 or 212
3 cr
MA 154
3 cr
PSY 120
3 cr
BIOL 204 or 216
4 cr
Total
13 cr

 

Sophomore
Fall
ENG W233
3 cr
PHYS 201, 218 or 220
4-5 cr
ETCS 106
3 cr
Business Elective
3 cr
Total
13-14 cr
   
Spring
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
3 cr
Business Elective
3 cr
BIOL 105
1 cr
Electives
3-4 cr
Total
10-11 cr

 


For questions regarding IPFW course requirements, contact:

 

Student Success Center
IPFW - College of Health and Human Services

Wayne Williams, Advisor
Neff Hall Room 120B
Phone: (260)481-0144

 

For additional IUPUI information:
www.iupui.edu

Contact:

Professor Donna Dunn, Director
Radiation Therapy Program
IUPUI
Coleman Hall 120
1140 W Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5119
Phone: (317)274-1302
E-mail: dodunn@iupui.edu

 


IUPUI Program Facts

Length of the Program

The Radiation Therapy program is a four-year Baccalaureate Degree Program that provides two tracks: one for the Non-Radiographer and one for the Radiographer. For the Non-Radiographer, the professional program begins in Summer II Semester with continuous enrollment for 22½ months. For the Radiographer, the program begins in the Fall Semester with continuous enrollment for 20 months.

Structure of the Program

The classroom and clinical experiences are provided Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm with continuous enrollment during the professional core.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The lecture material and clinical experiences are integrated.

Location of Clinicals

The clinical practicums are provided at a variety of clinical sites located within a 60-mile radius of Indianapolis.

Program Facilities

The Radiation Therapy Program offices are located in Ball Residence, Rooms 119 and 120. Classrooms and laboratories are located in Coleman Hall, in Radiation Oncology Departments of area hospitals, and in other buildings on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus.

Opportunity for Students to Work

Students often seek employment in part-time positions outside the program, which must be balanced with evening study.

Employment Facts

Employment opportunities are growing faster than average. Throughout the country, Radiation Therapists are in great demand. Salaries continue to increase at entry and experience levels. The national average for the year 2001 is $57,150 with the lowest salary at $44,500. Sign on bonuses are also possible. Increasing numbers of Radiation Oncology Departments are opening as private free-standing facilities or hospital-owned departments in outpatient facilities. This will increase the need for manpower and management-level skills. Cross training in this field involves utilization of nursing skills in caregiving areas.

Graduates of the Program

A graduate of the program most commonly would be considered for a position as a Staff Radiation Therapist in a hospital or free-standing Radiation Oncology Department. As a Staff Radiation Therapist, primary responsibilities would include administering ionizing radiation for therapeutic purposes, planning treatment procedures, and providing patient support.

Credential Required to Practice

Currently licensure of Radiation Therapists is not required in Indiana. This is expected to change. Credentials are required in some states.  To obtain a national credential, R.T. (T) (ARRT) one must successfully complete an accredited Radiation Therapy Program and pass a national exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  A specialty credential in Radiation Dosimetry is the only specialty credential existing, although others are now being considered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Licensure Requirements

Licensure of radiation therapists is not required in Indiana, but licensure requirements are mandated in some states.

Program Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606-2901.