Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy
Curriculum Overview
The Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy includes coursework in physics, oncology, treatment planning and cross-sectional anatomy. Students will learn the biologic effects of radiation on the body as well as dose tolerances for tissues and organs. 3-D simulation will be utilized in the state-of-the-art lab to replicate patient treatment setups and to demonstrate how concepts discussed in lecture are applied in the clinical setting. Northwestern Health Science University Radiation Therapy program includes five terms of didactic coursework and lab sessions as well as two terms of supervised clinical education that teaches students to operate both imaging and treatment equipment as well as to carry out tests to help treat patients. Students build skills working with a variety of patients and equipment under the supervision of registered radiation therapists in an actual healthcare setting.
There are no pre-requisites necessary prior to the start of the program but students will take some co-requisites in the first term to prepare for core curriculum.
Course Requirements
Core Courses
Required General Education Courses
General Education Courses
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COMMUNICATIONS (choose one of the following from this category) (3 cr)
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Credits
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HPC-1002
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Art of Persuasion
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3.0
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HPC-3001
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Communication Skills for Health Professional
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3.0
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Social Science (choose one of the following to fulfill social science credit (4cr)
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PSY-1000
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Health Psychology
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4.0
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ANT 1000
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Culture & Health
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4.0
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Humanities (choose one of the following to fulfill humanities credit (3cr)
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HPC-3720
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Critical Thinking for Health Professionals
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3.0
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HPC 3100
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History of Health Care
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3.0
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Open General Elective (3cr)
Any general elective course the student chooses.
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Total Credits - 13
Total Program Credits - 79
Graduation Requirements
The A.S. in Radiation Therapy is granted to those candidates who have:
- Successfully completed all requirements in the program of study;
- Successfully completed the required 79 total credits;
- Successfully completed all program-specific coursework with a grade of “C” or better;
- Successfully completed all General Education coursework;
- Successfully documented attendance and completion of all required Clinical Education hours;
- Successfully completed all required clinical competencies with a grade of “C” or better;
- Successfully completed of monthly clinical performance evaluations with a grade of “C” or better;
- Successfully completed all other assigned tasks by both faculty and the clinical coordinator;
- The completion of an exit interview with the clinical coordinator. Exit interview may also be completed by the career services advisor if need be; includes job search strategies and interviewing skills.