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.
Mission Statement
"To Make Man Whole" reflects the mission statement of Loma Linda University and Medical Center. It is the mission of the program to encourage the personal and professional growth of students through the integrated development of intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of each student as they prepare to serve mankind.
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 31. Even though May 31 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 at the time of program entry.
- College Algebra (within 3 years)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (complete sequence)
- Radiation Protection
- Patient Care Methods
- Radiation Physics
- 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(within 3 years)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (complete sequence)
- Medical Terminology
- Radiation Protection
- Patient Care Methods
- Radiation Physics
- 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 a video conferencing system. This is not offered as an online program.
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 | Units | |
| 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 |
| AHCJ 403 | Pathology II |
3 |
| RTTH 973 | Radiation Therapy Affiliation III | 1 |
| 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 |
Radiation Therapy Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate critical thinking by being able to integreate theory and practice and by being able to adapt to any atypical clinical situation.
Students will be clinically competent and will demonstrate this by performing the interpretation and execution of treatment plans, quality assurance procedures, and monitoring of changes in patients conditions accurately.
Students will be able to communicate effectively through the use of proficient oral and written communication skills.
Students will demonstrate professionalism by treating all persons with respect, being responsible and accountable for their actions, and by adhering to the rules of confidentiality.
Contact us
Carol Davis, Psy.D, Dr. PH, RT (T) Program Director
cadavis@llu.edu
Department of Radiation Technology
Nichol Hall A829
(909) 558-4931-2-0 or 800-422-4558-1-4 ask for Rad Tech
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