Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy Program

Radiation Therapy (A.A.S.)
Radiation Therapy Handbook

Radiation Therapy Technology A.A.S. - The Radiation Therapy program is a two-year (four semesters and three summer sessions) program leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree. Radiation Therapy courses are only offered during the day and students are admitted to the program during the Fall semester only. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination to become Registered Radiation Therapists and obtain New York State Licensure. Radiation Therapists primarily treat cancer patients by applying ionizing radiation according to a radiation oncologist's prescription, using a variety of complex treatment techniques and equipment. The Radiation Therapy program combines technical and liberal arts courses given at Nassau Community College with off campus clinical education at various affiliated hospitals and free standing cancer centers. Students will rotate to four different clinical settings ranging throughout Manhattan, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. An additional $50 per student OSHA training fee for each clinical rotation may apply. Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) will be required for all applicants to the Radiation Therapy Program. To be eligible for admission to the Radiation Therapy Program, candidates must meet academic requirements and be 18 years of age by the start of the first day of the first semester. All students are expected to follow the policies as set forth in the college catalogue and in the Radiation Therapy Student handbook

Students must be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application, be of "good moral character" as defined by the New York State Department of Health applicable to the profession of Radiation Therapy. All accepted applicants must pass a criminal background check at the cost of the applicant.

This program is accredited by the New York Department of Health and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (www.jrcert.org)

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606
313.704.5300
Fax 423.304.5304
mail@jrcert.org

Opportunities for professional advancement at the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree level are available.

Program Effectiveness Data

1. Five-Year Average Credentialing Examination pass rate (1st attempt):94.5%
   1. Reporting period: 2013-2017
   2. Sample size: 55 students took the examination/52 students passed the examination. 52/55 x 100= 94.5%
2. Five-Year Average SPD Employer Services rate: 90% 
   1. Reporting period: 2013-2017
   2. Sample size: 50 students applied for jobs/45 attained job placement. 50/45 x100= 90%

      This data only includes those students actively seeking 

      The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:
      1) Graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR
      2) Graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation OR
      3) Graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours OR
      4) Graduate is on active military duty OR
      5) Graduate is continuing education.

3. Program Completion Rate: 83.3%
   1. Reporting period: the total number of students that began the program for classes that graduated between January 1, and December 31, 2017
   2. Sample size: 12 students started the program/10 students completed the program.  12/10 x 100= 83.3%

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Mission Statement

The Radiation Therapy Program is a component of the Allied Health Sciences Department at Nassau Community College. It is dedicated to providing low cost, high quality education to prepare graduates for positions as entry level radiation therapists who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver prescribed treatments safely and competently.

PROGRAM GOALS AND STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In fulfillment of this Mission, the Radiation Therapy Program at Nassau Community College upholds the following goals:

Goal: Students will be academically and clinically competent radiation therapists.

Student learning Outcomes:

• Student will demonstrate academic competency.
• Student will demonstrate clinical competency.

Goal: Students will exhibit Professionalism as members of the healthcare team.

Student learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate compassionate and ethical patient care.
• Students will uphold the “Standards’ of the profession that must be maintained to comply with the levels stipulated by the accrediting bodies’ specific to Radiation Therapy, the ARRT and the ASRT.  

Goal: Students will have critical thinking skills necessary to become radiation therapists that function independently within the scope of practice.

Student learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate correct interpretation and application of patient treatment plans.
• Student will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Goal:  Students will have the communication skills necessary for proper job performance and towards the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Student learning Outcomes:

• Graduates demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Students will demonstrate communication skills.

Job Description

The program is designed to provide academic and clinical education which will prepare the graduate to assume the duties of a radiation therapist including:

• Accurately delivering prescribed treatments,
• using various forms of ionizing radiation; 
• Assisting doctors and medical physicists to plan courses of treatment; 
• Keeping detailed medical records; 
• Assisting with patient care; 
• Observing and reporting reactions to treatment.