This course is an exploration of the foundation of radiation therapy practices and the variety of roles for the professional in the delivery of health care. Principles of practice, professional responsibilities, medical law and ethics will be addressed along with program expectations. Topics revisited will include body mechanics, patient handling skills and infection control.
 

This course will focus on the role of the radiation therapist in overall disease management. It will prepare students to work directly with patients in a health care setting and covers assessment, examination and monitoring of patients, symptom management and the management of oncologic emergencies. Patient issues such as pain control, nutritional counseling, patient education, death and dying will be explored. Chemotherapeutic drugs will be introduced and discussed.
 

This course applies the concepts of radiation physics to therapy practice. Interactions of ionizing radiation, measurement of ionizing radiation and nuclear decay are discussed. This course will also provide the student with an understanding of the different types of radiation treatment units and their operating principles. Reviews of mathematics, basic principles of physics, atomic structure, electro-magnetic and particulate radiation, x-ray circuits, radiographic tubes and radiation production are included in this course.
 

This course will explore the concepts of radiation physics as it applies to the practice of radiation therapy. Scatter radiation analysis, isodose curves, patient contouring, dosimetric calculations, treatment planning procedures and electron beam therapy are introduced. Pre-requisite: Radiation Therapy Physics I
 

This course will explore cancer: its detection, diagnosis and prognosis. The management of neoplastic disease and its mechanism of spreading through a multidisciplinary approach will be discussed. Rationale for treatment techniques such as beam type, dose fractionation, volume, simulation, beam modification devices, field arrangements, dose limiting critical structures as well as surgical and chemotherapeutic considerations are presented. Pre-requisite: Radiation Therapy Physics I
 

This course introduces simulation equipment and techniques. Topics include patient immobilization, localization, simulation, documentation, patient positioning, treatment delivery parameters, prescriptions, and patient care. Imaging techniques specific to radiation therapy will also be discussed. A lab component is included in this course. Pre-requisites: Radiation Therapy Physics I & II
 

This course covers the biological effects of ionizing radiation in living tissue, including specific cell and tissue radiosensitivity, radiation syndromes and related effects, as well as basic biological mechanisms that bring about somatic and genetic effects. Pre-requisites: Radiation Therapy Physics I & II
 

This course will familiarize the student with diseases and disorders of the human body as well as its response. Focus will be placed on neoplasia, causes, signs, symptoms and patterns of spread. Pre-requisites: Radiation Therapy Physics I & II
 

This course will provide the student with the basic concepts of radiation sources: detection and measurement, shielding and room design, source handling, surveys and personnel monitoring, maximum permissible dose. Local, state and federal regulations will be discussed. Pre-requisites: Radiation Therapy Physics I & II
 

The clinical practicum serves as an orientation to radiation therapy where students are given an opportunity to develop technical and patient care skills and knowledge through structured rotations and assignments in the radiation therapy department. Treatment competencies and related objectives will be used to measure clinical outcomes. Students are required to be at their respective clinical sites for approximately 40 hours per week during the 2nd and 3rd semesters for a total of 1200 hours.
 

This course is designed to discuss the emerging technologies that are taking place in the world of radiation therapy. Topics such as brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and image guided radiation therapy will be discussed and researched by the student. The student will be expected to write a scientific paper for this course. Pre-requisites: Radiation Therapy Physics I & II
 

This course explores quality control programs and protocols for the radiation therapy department. Additional focus will be placed on various radiation therapy operational issues and CQI project development, evaluation and assessment techniques. Billing and reimbursement issues will also be presented.
 

A continuation of RTH 210. Students are required to be at their respective clinical sites for approximately 40 hours per week during the 2nd and 3rd semesters for a total of 1200 hours.
 

This course is designed to prepare students for the required national certification exam. Mock board exams will be given along with group and one-on-one discussions.
 

Provides students with the tools for understanding anatomy in three dimensions. Students will be able to visualize anatomical appearance and relationships in a planar section following completion of this material. Concentration will be on cranial, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic structures.