Radiation Therapy Educational Program

Radiation Therapists work closely with Radiation Oncologists to deliver high energy radiation for the treatment of cancer. The Radiation Therapist delivers the prescribed amount of radiation to the precise target site while assessing and reporting patient progress throughout the course of treatment. Radiation Therapists must demonstrate an understanding of cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, equipment technology, radiation safety and the psychosocial aspects of cancer.

Program of Instruction

Halifax Health sponsors the full-time medical center based certificate program for the healthcare professional wishing to obtain an additional certification in radiation therapy. Program completion leads to a certificate from Halifax Medical Center and the option of receiving college credit toward a Bachelor of Science, Health Arts. (Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science degree may contact the University of St. Francis, College of Health Arts, 800.735.7500 or www.stfrancis.edu). Program graduates are eligible to make application for national certification in radiation therapy by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and appropriate state licensure. The academic structure of the program cannot accommodate part-time or transfer students. Classes and clinical education are scheduled Monday through Friday and do not exceed forty hours per week. Program faculty includes an education coordinator, assistant education coordinator, clinical supervisors as well as subject specific academic instructors. For specific information on the curriculum, please contact the office of the Education Coordinator. A copy of the program of study and course descriptions for the required courses is available through the link below.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Halifax Medical Center Radiation Therapy Educational Program is to educate and graduate competent Radiation Therapists as well as provide an avenue for professional growth by our affiliation with the University of St. Francis. The radiation therapy program will provide the community with professional, competent, and mature radiation therapists that will positively contribute to the profession as a whole. To this end, the program will provide the opportunity for competency based professional education and clinical experience within a community oncology program. The graduating radiation therapists will possess the knowledge and skills required for employment as identified in the "ASRT Scope of Practice for Radiation Therapists."

Goals of the Program

To provide the profession of Radiation Therapy and the communities in the state of Florida with graduates who possess the:

• Critical thinking and problem solving skills to practice as clinically competent radiation therapists;
• Professional values and attributes to maintain a high level of ethical conduct with patients, employers, colleagues, and other members of the health care team;
• Ability to assume their role as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team in providing total quality care of all patients;
• Motivation to continue their professional growth and development.

Accreditation

The Halifax Medical Center Radiation Therapy Educational Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901, 312.704.5300, email: mail@jrcert.org.

Program Admission

Equal Opportunity

The Radiation Therapy Educational Program follows the Medical Center 's Affirmative Action plan as follows:

It is our policy to grant equal opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, creed, age, gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, religion, or disability. This policy includes but is not limited to recruitment, employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, demotion, and termination and is to be followed by all concerned.

Halifax Health does not discriminate against qualified disabled individuals in the admission or access to, or treatment of employment in any of its programs or activities.

Information regarding due process as well as additional student services is available from the Program Office upon request.

Prerequisites

Program prerequisites include:

All applicants must document satisfactory completion of the following college course work at an accredited institution:

• College Algebra or Precalculus
• Computer Science
• Communication Skills
• General Pathology
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Medical Imaging and Processing
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Ethics and Law
• Patient Care and Management
• Radiation Physics
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Certification)

Advanced Placement

The structure of the program does NOT allow for advanced placement.

Requirements

Application forms for the program shall be completed and returned to the Education Coordinator. Official high school, college, radiography, nursing, and allied health program transcripts must also be submitted along with a current curriculum vitae or resume. The deadline for application is based on the class year and is published in the application letter and form.

• Phase I
  • Applicant completes application form and submits with application fee
  • Applicant provides two professional references (employers or educators)
  • Applicant provides program director reference from radiography, nursing, or allied health program
  • Applicant provides official transcripts from high school, college, radiography, nursing, and/or allied health program
• Phase II
  • After preliminary consideration of all qualified applicants, the selection committee will interview prospective candidates.
• Phase III
  • Applicant successfully completes documentation verification and background review.
• Phase IV
  • Prospective student completes EmployMed testing.
  • Prospective student completes drug screening (testing negative)
  • Prospective student meets all stated deadlines to complete file.

Selection is based on grades, professional references, experience, general knowledge of radiation therapy and the interview. Preference is given to current Halifax Medical Center employees meeting program standards.

Specific entrance standards for the program include physical capabilities, mental/emotional capacity, and communication ability. For specific assessment standards, please contact the Education Coordinator. A copy of the entrance standards are included in the application packet. Students will be given the opportunity to request reasonable accommodations to meet these entrance standards.

Cost of Education

All educational fees are non-refundable and must be paid to HMC by check or money order made out to Halifax Medical Center by the stated deadlines. Refer to the application letter for current fee structure.

• Application Fee
• Tuition (paid quarterly)
  Deadlines for Tuition
  Initial payment is due upon acceptance of position as student in the program and subsequent payments are due by the 15 th day of the 3 rd, 6 th, 9 th, and 12 th month in program
• Books
• Lab Supplies
• Graduation Fee

Students are responsible for uniforms, lodging, and meals. Halifax Medical Center is not a participant in State or Federal student loans, grants, or scholarships. In addition to the required textbooks which are the students obligation, many books and journals are available for reference and study in the Josephine Davidson Cancer Resource Library at the Center of Oncology, the Radiologic Technology Education Library and the hospital's Medical Library. The use of a computer is available in the Medical Library or may be scheduled via Educational Services

Each student will be entitled to cafeteria discount on meals, Volusia Health Network group insurance rates, and pharmacy purchases at reduced costs.

Academic Policies

Satisfactory performance in class work and clinical instruction, as well as personal suitability for the profession of radiation therapy are required for completion of the program. The initial three-month period of the program is probationary. Students must satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health and suitability for the profession to continue in the program. Formal evaluations are carried out during the program to assure that program standards are met. The academic courses and clinical education courses require a passing grade of 85 percent to continue in and graduate from the program. Individual tutoring is available to the student based upon need and request.

Early Release

The structure of the Radiation Therapy Educational Program does not allow for early release. Didactic courses and clinical education are scheduled throughout the length of the program for continued competency and continuity.

Pregnant Students

To allow for radiation protection of the pregnant student and their conceptus, the program officials will counsel pregnant students as to options available and reasonable accommodations required to remain in the clinical setting. Students have the option of declaration or non-declaration of pregnancy.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the required clinical and didactic coursework with an 85% as well as completing additional identified graduation criteria, the student will receive a certificate of graduation from the Halifax Medical Center Radiation Therapy Educational Program. The graduate may apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for national certification and to the state of Florida for appropriate licensure.

To obtain an application and further information regarding the Radiation Therapy Educational Program contact:

Education Coordinator
Halifax Medical Center
Radiation Therapy Program
P.O. Box 2830
Daytona Beach, Florida 32120-2830
386.254.4075

Click here to download a HMC Radiation Therapy Education Program Brochure in PDF format.

Click here to download an application packet in PDF format.

Click here to download an admission application form in PDF format.

Click here to download the Description of Profession, Standards and Curriculum in PDF format.