Radiation Therapy Technology Certificate
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Deadline Dates
Program Admission
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation (x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, etc.) in the treatment of human diseases, especially cancer. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is a leading modality in the treatment of cancer patients by offering a cure in some cases and a relief of symptoms in many others. Rapid growth in the field of radiation therapy has created an urgent need for registered radiation therapists.
The radiation therapist plays an integral role in a cancer patient’s care by delivering highly customized treatments as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. The radiation therapist must be familiar with every aspect of the radiation therapy equipment, must exercise constant care and accuracy when delivering the radiation treatments, must ensure radiation safety of patient and coworkers, and must show patience, understanding, empathy, and compassion for the patient at all times. Rapidly changing cancer treatment techniques, technological advances, and personal patient contact make the field of radiation therapy a dynamic career choice.
Accreditation
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312.704.5300
fax 312.704.5304
www.jrcert.org
Mission
The mission of the Radiation Therapy program at Chattanooga State Community College is to prepare competent, compassionate, and dedicated radiation therapists who respond ethically and professionally to the needs of patients.
Goals
Program Goals (PGs) and Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
PG1: The student will demonstrate clinical competence appropriate for an entry-level radiation therapist.
- SLO1a: The student will demonstrate CT simulation skills.
- SLO1b: The student will demonstrate treatment delivery skills.
PG2: The student will demonstrate effective communication skills.
- SLO2a: The student will demonstrate oral communication skills.
- SLOL2b: The student will demonstrate written communication skills.
PG3: The student will demonstrate critical thinking/problem skills appropriate for radiation therapy.
- SLO3a: The student will perform patient assessment.
- SLO3b: The student will gather, analyze, synthesize, and present medical/technical information in a professional manner.
PG4: The student will demonstrate professional responsibility.
- SLO4a: The student will behave/act professionally.
- SLO4b: The student will participate in continuing education/lifelong learning.
Success Rates
Program success rates for all JRCERT accredited programs may be found at www.jrcert.org.
Current program effectiveness is as follows:
|
Program Year |
Number of Students Enrolled |
Number of Students Completing |
Retention Rate |
1st Time ARRT Exam Pass Rate *
|
Job Placement Rate **
|
|
2013 |
15 |
14 |
93% |
100% (14/14) |
100% (14/14) |
|
2014 |
13 |
12 |
92% |
75% (9/12) |
90% (9/10) |
|
2015 |
14 |
13 |
93% |
77% (10/13) |
100% (10/10) |
|
2016 |
17 |
15 |
88% |
73% (11/15) |
92% (11/12) |
|
2017 |
14 |
14 |
100% |
93% (13/14) |
100% (14/14) |
|
Totals |
73 |
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FiveYear Averages |
93% |
84% (57/68) |
96% (58/60) |
*1st Time ARRT Exam Pass Rate (number passing / number attempting)
**Job Placement Rate (number employed / number seeking)
Career Opportunities
Radiation therapists are usually employed on a full-time basis usually working a 40-hour week. Salary and benefits vary with experience and employment location, but are generally competitive with other allied health specialties. Employment opportunities are available throughout the country, but may vary geographically.
Program Cost
| First Semester (16 hours) (fall) | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2934.40 | 11126.40 |
| Pre-Admission Requirements (estimates) | ||
| TrueScreen Tracking | 17.50 | 17.50 |
| Drug Screening | 31.00 | 31.00 |
| Background Check | 24.50 | 24.50 |
| Physical Examination | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| TB Skin Test | 28.00 | 28.00 |
| Tdap (if needed) | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| MMR Titer | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| MMR vaccine per shot (if needed) | 75.00 | 75.00 |
| Hepatitis B titer | 35.00 | 35.00 |
| Hepatitis B vaccine per shot (if needed) | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| Varicella titer | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Varicella vaccine per shot (if needed) | 120.00 | 120.00 |
| Liability Insurance | 11.05 | 11.05 |
| Trajecsys Corporation | 99.00 | 99.00 |
| Books (estimate) | 400.00 | 400.00 |
| Radiation Monitoring (estimate) | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Subtotal | 4120.45 | 12312.45 |
| Second Semester (12 hours) (spring) | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2200.80 | 8344.80 |
| Books (estimate) | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Subtotal | 2350.80 | 8494.80 |
| Third Semester (12 hours) (summer) | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2200.80 | 8344.80 |
| Books (estimate) | 129.00 | 129.00 |
| ARRT Exam Registration | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Subtotal | 2529.80 | 8673.80 |
| Total | 9001.05 | 29481.05 |
Costs Disclaimer
These are estimated program costs. Actual costs may vary due to changes in tuition and/or fee increases as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Note: College fees are included in the maintenance cost. To view current calculation table, go to Bursar’s Office on Chattanooga State website. This website will also give you information on refund policies, fee payments and the refund calendar.
This list does not include expenses for lodging and other expenses incurred during class scheduled times. Students are responsible for the cost of uniforms/lab coats for clinic.