Bachelor of Science Major in Radiation Therapy
Lead Faculty:
Dr. Patric M. Schiltz
The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy builds on a broad-based foundation in liberal arts and sciences designed to strengthen critical thinking and communication skills to work with a diverse population in multiple healthcare settings. Graduates of this program will be able to understand all aspects of radiation therapy including effective patient care and education, treatment planning and radiation physics as well as the biological effects of radiation in a rapidly advancing high touch, highly technical profession.
The Radiation Therapy Program combines classroom with clinical experiences to prepare graduates for an entry level position in the profession as an integral member of the healthcare team using radiation to treat cancer and some benign diseases. Graduates will use their competencies to assess the physical, emotional and educational needs of the patients they serve, determine the efficacy of a prescribed treatment and carry out the accurate delivery and documentation of treatment.
The Radiation Therapy Program is a full-time, lock-step program in which each cohort of students progress in unison, taking each of the courses in a sequenced manner. Courses in the program build on knowledge from courses previously completed. Students will also take two courses in one month as scheduled. Once the program is completed, students will be eligible to apply to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national examination and apply for certification from the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch. The Radiation Therapy Program is currently seeking accreditation by the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
The Radiation Therapy Program prepares the graduate to be able to fulfill the following outcomes as an entry-level professional.
Admission Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
- Effectively communicate with patients/families and members of the health care community.
- Demonstrate patient, radiation and equipment safety at all times.
- Demonstrate clinical competence in the areas of patient care, treatment, simulation, dosimetry and brachytherapy.
- Formulate priorities in daily clinical practice.
- Apply concepts of teamwork.
- Deliver a prescribed course of treatment adhering to acceptable departmental, institutional, governmental and professional standards.
- Evaluate the clinical significance of the treatment parameters as prescribed to suspend treatment as appropriate.
- Develop plans based on patient assessment to address physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- Assess patient side effects and complications to create an interdisciplinary management strategy that fosters prevention, healing and comfort.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically think and apply knowledge to new situations.
- Analyze clinical data to ensure safety and quality improvement of radiation therapy operations.
- Evaluate treatment plans to ensure accurate and effective treatment delivery.
- Demonstrate values and attitudes congruent with the profession’s standards and ethics.
- Analyze current health care research for application to the radiation therapy practice.
- Apply strategies that promote professional development and life long learning.
Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy, students must complete at least 184.5 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University and 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper division level. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general education electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission requirements for specific information regarding admission and matriculation.
Preparation for the Major
(17 courses; 67.5 quarter units)
Requirements for the Major
(21 courses; 94.5 quarter units)
Core Requisite(s):
- RTT 300 Medical Imaging
- RTT 481 Internship II
- RTT 305 Patient Care I
- RTT 480 Internship I
- RTT 310 Sectional/Topographic Anatomy
- RTT 315 Clinical Concepts I
- RTT 317 Clinical Concepts III
- RTT 306 Patient Care II
- RTT 482 Internship III
- RTT 490 Advanced Capstone
- RTT 316 Clinical Concepts II
- RTT 460 Operational Issues
- RTT 455 Medical Dosimetry
- RTT 450 Quality Management
- RTT 440 Research in Radiation Therapy
- RTT 420 Radiation Biology
- RTT 416 Clinical Oncology II
- RTT 415 Clinical Oncology I
- RTT 411 Clinical Radiation Physics II
- RTT 410 Clinical Radiation Physics I
- RTT 320 Pro Ethics and Legal Issues
Recommended Elective Courses
(4 courses; 18 quarter units)
Internships
(3 courses; 13.5 quarter units)
- RTT 480 Internship I
- RTT 482 Internship III
- RTT 481 Internship II
