Radiation Therapy
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation Therapy is an allied health profession dedicated to treating malignant disease (usually cancer) with ionizing radiation. Other conditions such as benign disease may also be treated.
What is a Radiation Therapist?
A radiation therapist performs therapeutic radiation treatments and lends emotional support to cancer patients. This is done under the direction of a radiation oncologist and a medical physicist. A radiation therapist may also be involved with the simulation, treatment planning and dosimetry of a course of radiation.
To be successful as a radiation therapist, the student must possess independent judgment and the ability to provide the best possible care to patients and their families. The treatment of a cancer patient uses a multi-disciplinary approach. Therefore, the radiation therapist must be able to interact and communicate positively with other health care professionals.
The Program
The Radiation Therapy program is administered through the School of Applied Studies, Department of Allied Health. The program curriculum at Washburn is an accredited, one calendar year certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are registry eligible with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Classes begin in August and finish the following July. The program consists of required related courses and clinical education. All students must attend an on-campus RT(T) student orientation session. All students are required to attend the session in order to participate in the program.
Program Goals and Outcomes
The primary focus of the Radiation Therapy Program is to provide personal and professional development of each student. It is the intent of the program to create an environment for learning which contributes to student development. This include stimulation of intellectual curiosity and growth; instill integrity and a sense of responsibility; encourage the pursuit of quality and enhance scientific inquiry.
The outcome of the program is for each student to be qualified as an entry-level radiation therapist and be ARRT board eligible.
Admission Criteria
An applicant must be a graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology program and possess the professional designation of RT(R). A registry eligible student may also be considered for admittance.
Students will complete the online course work and the clinical portion of the program with a Washburn affiliated radiation therapy center.
Please Note: At this time, students from New York State cannot apply to the Washburn University Program.
* Students will be required to attend an on-campus orientation session. Attendance to this on-campus orientation is mandatory. All students must attend to participate in this program.
Why Major in Radiation Therapy at Washburn University?
Dedicated to excellence in teaching, Washburn University today is recognized as an outstanding public, urban learning environment.Washburn University began in 1865 as Lincoln College, a school established by the Congregational Church. Lincoln College became Washburn College in 1868 in recognition of the financial support of New England philanthropist, Deacon Ichabod Washburn. In 1941, the citizens of Topeka voted to make Washburn a municipal university.
US News and World Report "America's Best Colleges 2010" ranked Washburn as one of the top mid-western public universities.
Our educational objectives are to prepare individuals for careers and further study in a variety of disciplines for a lifetime of continuous learning.
Washburn has a reputation as a "teaching" university rather than a "research" institution. More than 90% of our faculty hold doctoral degrees or the highest degree available in their discipline.
Washburn has an enrollment of approximately 7,300 students.
What Careers are Available in Radiation Therapy?
Radiation Therapy is one of the newest and most exciting fields offering excellent employment. According to recent surveys, radiation therapists will be in great demand at least for the next decade.Other career opportunities available to the radiation therapist, some with additional education, include medical dosimetry, medical physics, education, sales, application specialist, and locum tenens.
If you have questions about this website or need additional information about Radiation Therapy contact:
Allied Health
Gwyn Nelson
(785) 670-2176
Fax: 785) 670-1027
