Certificate in Radiation Therapy

Overview of Specialty

The Radiation Therapist works under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist in treating malignant and benign diseases using various ionizing radiation modalities. Responsibilities include following prescribed treatment plans, maintaining accurate records, and providing care and support to the patients and their families.

Loma Linda University: Educating Radiology Professionals  

The Radiation Therapy field is very dynamic. It is rapidly evolving due to new technologies. In addition, it is a multifaceted discipline grounded in the science of oncology, and involves the use of sophisticated innovative technology to ensure that high doses of ionizing radiation are delivered to tumor sites with millimeter precision. Prospective therapists should be able to think critically, be computer literate, and be able to work within a team. Patient care and empathy are also important assets.

Program Information

The Radiation Therapy Certificate Program is a full-time, 15-month program that prepares the student to gain national certification as a radiation therapist. It is intended for diagnostic radiographers who seek additional specialization. The program is also open to other qualified applicants in the allied health field. Applicants must meet the basic requirements as listed in the program brochure.

Application Deadline

The application window for this program is January 1 to May 1. Even though May 1 is the established deadline, the total number of applicants may dictate an earlier or later cut-off date. Check with the department for updates.

Admission Requirements

Courses listed as course requirements MUST be completed at a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) college or university.

Educational Background:
The applicant must fulfill ONE of the following:

A. Be an ARRT registered radiologic technologist and/or graduate of an accredited radiologic technology program and have college credits in:

• College Algebra
• Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (complete sequence)
• Radiation Protection
• Patient Care Methods
• Radiation Physics
• Introduction to Computers
• General Psychology

B. Be a registered nurse or graduate of an accredited allied health program (2 years minimum training) and have college credits in:

• College Algebra
• Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (complete sequence)
• Medical Terminology
• Radiation Protection
• Patient Care Methods
• Radiation Physics
• Introduction to Computers
• Principles of Radiology
• General Psychology

All course requirements must be met before the start of the program.

Observation Experience

A minimum of 40 hours of career observation in a radiation therapy department is required. Download a Career Observation Form from the forms page.

Distance Education

The Certificate in Radiation Therapy Technology is offered at the Loma Linda Campus of Loma Linda University, as well as the Fresno City College Campus in Fresno, CA. For Fresno students, all coursework and clinical time is completed in Fresno, Bakersfield, or Porterville. Courses are available through two-way satellite projection.

Curriculum

During the 15-month Certificate Program in Radiation Therapy Technology, students take formal classes along with instruction in a clinical setting.  This includes participation, under close supervision, in the actual procedures within the Radiation Therapy Department.  The program is full-time (40 hours per week) arranged around lectures and coordinated with participating clinical affiliates.

Fall Quarter - Year One

RTTH 342  Patient Care Practices in Rad. Therapy        2

RTTH 344  Radiation Therapy Procedures                     2         

RTTH 355 Physical Principles of Rad. Therapy I             3

RTTH 364 Radiation Oncology I                                     2

RELE 457 Christian Ethics and Health                           2

RTTH 971  Radiation Therapy Affiliation I                      1

Winter Quarter - Year One

RTTH 332 Radiation Biology                                           1

RTTH 356  Physical Principles of Rad. Therapy II           3

RTTH 365  Radiation Oncology II                                   2

RTTH 972  Radiation Therapy Affiliation II                     1 

Spring Quarter - Year One

RTTH 357  Applied Dosimetry                                        2

RTTH 365  Radiation Oncology III                                 2

RTTH 973  Radiation Therapy Affiliation III                    1

AHCJ 403  Pathology II                                                 3

Summer Quarter - Year Two

RTTH 974  Radiation Therapy Affiliation IV                    1

Fall Quarter - Year Two

RTTH 348  Radiation Therapy Review                            1

RTTH 975  Radiation Therapy Affiliation V                      1

For More Information

For more information, consider further web browsing to the following sites:

• Overview of the Radiation Therapy Certificate Program
• Overview of the Dosimetry Certificate Program
• Program Brochures
• Apply Now
• Other Radiation Technology Programs
• Continuing Education in Radiography
• Frequently Asked Questions