Health Professions

Description of the Profession

Radiation therapists are health care professionals skilled in the art and science of medical radiation treatment delivery.  The majority of patients receiving radiation therapy have cancer.  Along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy offers these patients the best chance to succeed in the fight against their disease.  The major focus areas of the profession are the primary care of patients, simulation, treatment, planning, and delivery of treatments utilizing linear accelerator produced radiation and radio-isotopes.  Aims of treatment include cure, relief of symptoms, and improvement of patients’ quality of life.  High technology equipment and innovative treatment methods are utilized to maximize treatment effectiveness.  Radiation therapists must have excellent technical skills, but must also be empathetic and effective communicators.  Much satisfaction is gained from close patient interaction and the specialty’s team approach with radiation oncologists, physicists, nurses and other medical specialists.  Radiation Therapy is "technology with a human touch."

According to the American Society of Radiological Technologists, the professional society, the Scope of Practice of a Radiation Therapist includes, but is not limited to:

1. Providing radiation therapy services by contributing as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team through provision of total quality care of each patient undergoing a prescribed course of treatment.
2. Evaluating and assessing treatment delivery components.
3. Providing radiation therapy treatment delivery services to cure or improve the quality of life of patients by accurately delivering a prescribed course of treatment.
4. Evaluating and assessing daily, the physiological and psychological responsiveness of each patient to treatment delivery.
5. Maintaining values congruent with the profession’s code of ethics and scope of practice as well as adhering to national, institutional and/or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding treatment delivery and patient care.

Essential Functions of a Radiation Therapist

"Radiation therapy technology is the art and science of treatment delivery to individuals to restore, improve and enhance performance, diminish or eradicate pathology, facilitate adaptation to the diagnosis of malignant disease, and to promote and maintain health." 
(From the Radiation Therapist Scope of Practice document, published by the ASRT).

Persons contemplating educational preparation to enter this profession should be aware of the essential functions of the radiation therapist in order to guide their career decision making and estimate their success in the field.

According to the Scope of Practice, the following are essential functions of the profession which are further defined by the specific activities and abilities which underlie them.

1. Providing radiation therapy services by contributing as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team through provision of total quality care of each patient undergoing a prescribed course of treatment by:
• Communicating effectively with patients, their families and other members of the radiation oncology team.
• Being physically, intellectually, and emotionally able to respond to emergency situations, providing first aid, CPR and other patient care until a physician or nurse arrives.
• Being capable of handling stressful situations, making informed decisions and giving emotional support to patients and their families.
• Listening and responding to auditory warnings such as Geiger counters, bells in the treatment room, hospital fire announcements and monitoring of patient sounds during treatment.
• Performing required mathematical calculations.
• Documenting accurately and legibly, treatment setups, doses and calculations.
• Using good judgment in regard to situations in which treatment should be held until consultation with the radiation oncologists.
2. Evaluating and assessing treatment delivery components by:
• Manually performing quality assurance and quality control checks.
• Observing monitors and scales to note divergence from expected readings.
• Detecting equipment malfunctions and taking appropriate action.
3. Providing radiation therapy treatment delivery services to cure or improve the quality of life of patients by accurately delivering a prescribed course of treatment by:
• Assisting patients in transferring from a wheelchair or cart to the treatment couch and becoming correctly positioned for treatment, at times including lifting.
• Operating, handling and manipulating equipment necessary to administer radiation therapy.
• Using strength, coordination and dexterity to lift and position cerrobend blocks, electron cones, wedges and other accessories, up to 40 pounds in weight to a height of approximately 5'6".
• Visually observing patients before, during and after treatment, setting field size and monitor unit settings, aligning treatment fields and blocks, and reviewing radiographs and beam films.
• Constructing immobilization devices.
4. Evaluating and assessing daily, the physiologic and psychological responsiveness of each patient to treatment delivery by:
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families.
• Listening carefully to patient and family concerns.
• Observing patients for signs of radiation side effects and psychological change.
• Using good judgment in referring patients to other members of the radiation oncology team appropriately.
• Providing appropriate care specific to the age of the patient.
• Providing effective patient education.
5. Maintaining values congruent with the profession's code of ethics and scope of practice as well as adhering to national, institutional and/or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding treatment delivery and patient care by:
• Strictly maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
• Respecting and acting appropriately toward all patients and fellow team members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual preference or disability.
• Supporting patient rights, particularly those of informed consent and advance directives.

Certification

A national registry exam is offered by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  Students may apply to take the registry exam after meeting all requirements for graduation and schedule the computerized exam for a convenient location and time.  According to the ARRT, a graduate has three opportunities to pass the examination, after which, they must return to school for additional training.  Applicants and students are advised that "Rules of Ethics" are established by the ARRT.  These are standards of minimally acceptable professional conduct for all Registered Technologists and applicants.  They are intended to promote the protection, safety and comfort of patients.  Violation of the Rules of Ethics carries sanctions, including, among others, not being allowed to sit for the exam or forfeiting certification.  One issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony or a misdemeanor with the exception of speeding and parking violations.  All alcohol and/or drug related violations must be reported.  Convictions must also be reported.  All potential violations must be investigated by the ARRT in order to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.  Individuals may file a pre-application with the ARRT to obtain a ruling on eligibility at any time prior to or after entry into an accredited educational program.  The pre-application must be requested directly from the ARRT (telephone 651.687.0048).

Job Market

Radiation therapists may work in hospital departments or free standing facilities.  Options for diversification and advancement present in dosimetry, management and education.  Therapists may also work in sales and technical support.  The number of job openings vary with time and location, but are currently adequate in number.  To learn more please visit Employment Outlook

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Radiation Therapy Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).  The current accreditation award of eight years runs through 2026.

JRCERT

20 N. Wacker Drive

Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606

312.704.5300

FAX:  312.704.5304

mail@jrcert.org

www.jrcert.org

Outcome Assessment Plan

Program Effectiveness Data

Program Effectiveness Data via JRCERT

Mission:  The mission of the Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is to educate and train radiation therapists who are knowledgeable, clinically competent and dedicated to their profession and patients. Accomplished by meeting the educational and professional needs of a growing and diverse population, the program will emphasize excellence in education by offering a broad-based curriculum in science, liberal studies, professional courses, and clinical internship. This program additionally seeks to promote research through professional writing using evidence-based practice and provides a base for career advancement of its graduates.

Goals:

1. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
       a.  Students apply didactic concepts and information into the clinical setting; demonstrating critical thinking.
       b.  Students will apply theories of radiation therapy education to real life scenarios.
2. Students will develop and exhibit professional behaviors.
       a.  Students will engage in professional development activities.
       b.  Students will participate in community service.
3. Students will be clinically competent.
       a.  Students will demonstrate acquisition of imaging skills.
       b.  Students will evidence competency in treatment delivery skills.
4. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
       a.  Students will effectively communicate with patients, therapists, and instructors.
       b.  Students will write at a proficient level by gradation.
   
5. The program will successfully meet the needs of its students and communities of interest.
       a.  Students who enroll in the program will complete the program.
       b.  Graduates will pass the national certification exam.
       c.  Graduates seeking employment as a therapist will find job placement.
       d.  Graduates will exhibit a high degree of satisfaction with the educational experience at the University and clinical internship site.
       e.  Employers of graduates will report a high degree of satisfaction with graduates’ performance.
   

Education

The major in radiation therapy provides students with an educational foundation in the sciences and humanities as well as clinical experience in a radiation therapy department. The curriculum requires a minimum of six semesters on campus in pre-professional and professional core courses prior to the senior clinical internship. The clinical internship begins in July of the senior year, extends for 13 months, and is spent at an affiliated hospital clinical internship site. Admission to the major is on a competitive basis. Upon acceptance, students may register for the professional core courses. Students who successfully meet program requirements will interview with the clinical sites during their junior year and upon selection by one of the sites will be placed for the senior clinical internship. All requirements for general education and the major must be met prior to graduation.

Current RT Program Curriculum

Sample Degree Plans

• RT Sample Degree Plan MTH 051
• RT Sample Degree Plan MTH 150
• RT Sample Degree Plan MTH 151

RT Program Student Handbook 2021-23

RT Program Student Handbook 2022-24

RT Program Student Handbook 2023-2025

Articulation Agreements

The radiation therapy program does hold articulation agreements with Western Technical College (WTC) in La Crosse, WI for students in radiography programs as well at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Wausau, WI.

• WTC Transfer Guide for Radiography
• NTC Transfer Guide for Radiography

Mission

The mission of the Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is to educate and train radiation therapists who are knowledgeable, technically competent and dedicated to their profession and their patients, meeting the educational and personal needs of its students by emphasizing excellence in education and offering a broad based curriculum in liberal studies, professional courses and clinical internship. This program additionally seeks to promote research and provide a base for further professional development of graduates.

Goals

To support this mission, the following goals have been established:

1. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
2. Students will grow and develop professionally.
3. Students will be clinically competent.
4. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
5. The program will successfully meet the needs of its students and communities of interest.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

If you plan to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin after completion of this program, you should refer to the Professional Licensure Disclosure website and contact the other state's appropriate licensing board to determine whether the UWL program meets licensure requirements in that state.

Application Deadline for a Fall 2024 start is Friday, December 8

* The UWL Radiation Therapy program requires all prospective students to complete 10 observation hours in radiation therapy by the time of application. All applicants seeking to begin the program in Fall 2024 are also required to complete all observation modules, with each taking approximately one to one and a half hours to complete. Upon finishing each module, applicants will complete a reflection assignment and these will then be submitted with the program application. By requiring all applicants complete the online modules the program can consistently evaluate applicants understanding of RT.  UWL students can self-enroll in the Canvas course.  Non-UWL students please contact Pete Amann at pamann@uwlax.edu for assistance in creating a Canvas account to access the modules. 

Admission policies and the application/selection process have been developed with the intention to consider each applicant's strengths and select for admission those best qualified to meet the program's requirements and mission.

Please be aware that a felony charge may affect your ability to obtain fieldwork placements and/or sit for the board examination.

• Admissions Policies
• Admission Requirements
• Selection Process
• Re-application
• Re-admission
• Transfer Students
• Admission Timeline

Clinical Internship Sites

• Ascension Columbia St. Mary's, Milwaukee, WI
• Univ. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 
• Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 
• Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI 
• Advocate Lutheran Hospital, Park Ridge, IL
• Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI
• Aspirus Hospital, Wausau, WI
• Other Affiliates for Student Externship Experience 

Upon admission to the program and prior to senior clinical internship year, all students will be required to complete a criminal background check. Additionally in preparation for the clinical internship, a Tb test, proof of updated immunizations (including Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap and MMR vaccines) will be required. Testing may be performed at the UWL Student Health Center. Additionally, students will complete BLS CPR certification in the spring prior to beginning their clinical internship. This course is taken at Western Technical College and students are responsible for tuition of course.

Upon beginning the clinical internship at the assigned site, each department and site will provide the student with a clinical department and hospital orientation. During the orientation, the following content will be covered- Safety, Bloodborne pathogens, HIPPA, and Emergency Preparedness. Some of this information will also be covered in the spring semester courses, RT 350 and 400 prior to the internship. Clinical department specific orientation will include training with electronic medical record system, treatment record and verify system and the safety features of each piece of equipment and the department. Lastly students will be provided orientation to the clinical management system of the program, Trajecsys.

Students should follow the policies and procedures of their assigned clinical site as well as the policies outlined in Section D of the UWL RT Program Student Handbook. The Clinical Supervisor/Education Director at each internship site will make all clinical rotation assignments. Students will attend clinical rotations Monday-Friday with no night or weekend clinical assignments. Students do not attend clinicals when the University is closed. Students are provided with a list of official holidays at the beginning of their internship. The UWL Clinical Coordinator will communicate frequently with the Clinical Supervisor/Education Director at each site regarding student progress on competency exams, affective evaluations, and didactic coursework.

Each student will be assessed the following fees for the clinical internship. They will be special course fees in addition to tuition.

• Criminal Background Check and Liability Insurance- $25 (assessed in RT 471)
• Trajecsys Fee- $100 (assessed in RT 471)
• Summer Clinical Experience Fee ~$1200* (assessed in RT 471)
• Fall Clinical Experience Fee ~$2500* (assessed in RT 472)
• Spring Clinical Experience Fee ~$2500* (assessed in RT 473)

*The clinical experience fees are based on annual tuition rate and number of students in the program. It will fluctuate each year, however students will be notified in Spring semester prior to their clinical internship of the exact amounts of the fees.

Please be aware that a felony charge may affect your ability to obtain fieldwork placements and/or sit for the board examination.

The final year consists of a thirteen month clinical internship.  In addition to the clinical internship, students complete courses with the facility's education coordinator.

Clinical Year Courses