Radiation Therapy

The Howard University Radiation Therapy program has a rich legacy of providing quality education for individuals interested in a career as a radiation therapist who will serve diverse and underserved populations locally and globally.

Academic Structure

The Radiation Therapy Program is a four-year integrated academic and clinical program that has two divisions. The Lower Division includes the first and second years where students complete general education requirements. Individuals who complete all Lower Division requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the Upper Division.

The Upper Division includes didactic courses as well as a clinical education component throughout the third and fourth years. The clinical education phase of the program is designed to reinforce didactic information as it relates to clinical procedures. It is expected that through this effort, greater cohesion can be achieved between the two learning environments, thereby facilitating a greater transfer of knowledge between them. During clinical education, students have an opportunity to receive practical experience at prestigious affiliating hospitals.

Department Chair

Marquise Frazier, MBA, RT.(T) Phone:
(202) 870-0756
Email:
marquise.frazier@Howard.edu

Program Effectiveness

2019-2023 PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS

To remain consistent with JRCERT standards and guidelines, measures of Program Effectiveness may be found here.

*On November 17, 2022 the Howard University Radiation Therapy Program was notified that it will continue on probationary accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) due to lack of compliance with Standard Six, Objective 6.1.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Goal:  Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
    • Students will demonstrate competence in localization and treatment set-ups.
    • Students will apply the principles of radiation protection.
  2. Goal:  Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
    • Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills with patients and clinical staff
    • Students will demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
  3. Goal:  Students will utilize critical thinking.
    • Students will utilize critical thinking strategies to ensure best patient outcomes.
    • Students will evaluate portal images and make appropriate adjustments.
  4. Goal:  Students will exhibit professionalism.
    • Students will demonstrate values, behaviors, and attitudes consistent with professional standards.
    • Students will adhere to institutional, departmental, and program policies.

Career Paths

Radiation Therapists provide services as:

  • Staff Radiation Therapists
  • Educators
  • Dosimetrists,
  • Clinical Supervisors
  • Clinical Instructors
  • Administrators, directors, and managers in hospitals and free standing private facilities
  • Patient Navigators
  • Oncology Care Coordinators
  • Cancer Information Specialists
  • Clinical Application Specialists
  • Marketing, Sales Representatives and Researchers

Radiation Therapists are employed in hospitals, community offices, military institutions, schools, universities, research institutions, independent contractors, and private industry.

Certification

A recent radiation therapy graduate must complete an application for certification and forward it to the Program Director for review and validation. Each applicant must complete the senior final comprehensive examination at a minimum of 80%. The program in its discretion may refuse to accept the application of any individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense.  Please visit the ARRT’s website for further information on ethics violations at:

https://www.arrt.org/docs/default-source/Governing-Documents/arrt-standards-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=10

Any student concerned about potential ethical issues, are welcome to complete the ARRT Ethics Review Pre-Application prior to six months prior to terminal award completion.

If a Radiation Therapy graduate delays taking the ARRT national board examination or is unsuccessful for three attempts, the student will be required to complete a radiation therapy program of study again, before the Program Director will validate the application for any entity. Please note, students need to complete the board exams within three years of graduating, after three years of graduation, national board exam results, and education verifications cannot be verified by the Program Director. 

The Department of Radiation Therapy does reimburse students that take and successfully pass the credentialing exam, within 60 days of the date of commencement exercises (examination fee only).

FAQs

How do I get accepted to the Radiation Therapy Lower Division program (freshman and sophomore years)?

To become accepted to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Radiation Therapy, you must apply to Howard University for admission. Students considered for Lower Division admission must submit a Howard University Application, or Common Application Supplement, official transcripts, etc. (See HU website for prospective students, if not currently enrolled at Howard University.

How do I get accepted to the Radiation Therapy Upper Division program (junior and senior years)?

To become accepted to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Radiation Therapy, you must apply to Howard University. Students considered for admission must:

a. Submit a Howard University Application, or Common Application Supplement, official transcripts, etc. (See HU website for prospective student, if not currently enrolled at Howard University
 

b. Have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or higher in all required prerequisite college courses for an approved accredited University/College, with no grade below “C”; Possess a math and science GPA of 2.5/4.0 or higher;
c. Successfully complete pre‐professional course work, as specified;
d. Submit the Department of Radiation Therapy Upper Division Admission Application;
e. Submit three letters of professional recommendations using the Applicant Evaluation and Recommendation forms;
f. Submit evidence of TOEFL test results with application if your native language is not English, please see website for international student score requirements:


g. Submit a statement of Reason for Professional Career Choice (max. 2 pages)
h. Submit a copy of completed First Aid and CPR certifications for health professionals (Adult and Child);
i. Have taken Math and science prerequisite courses within the past 3 years.

How long would it take me to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy?

The time frame for completion of the Radiation Therapy program at Howard is 4 years, if an entering freshman. If all prerequisite courses have been completed, the Upper Division can be completed in four semesters and the two full‐time summer sessions (6 credits) between the junior and senior year.

Can I transfer credits to the Upper Division of the Radiation Therapy program at Howard University from another university or college?

The Department will review official transcripts from approved accredited university/colleges along with documentation and references. Prospective applicants may to take challenge examinations and if successful, transfer courses can be applied to the junior year only. Make sure to meet with the Program Director in the Radiation Therapy Department to determine what credits can be transferred. This process of transferring credits to HU from another accredited university/college is called Advanced Standing.

If I already have an undergraduate BS degree, do I have to take the prerequisite courses for acceptance to the program?

The Department will review official transcripts from approved accredited university/colleges along with documentation and references. You have to complete all the prerequisite courses for acceptance to the Radiation Therapy Upper Division.

If I still have prerequisite courses to complete, can I apply to the Radiation Therapy program?

Yes. However, at the time of application, you cannot have more than 15 outstanding credits, which must be completed before acceptance into the Radiation Therapy Upper Division.

Can I choose my clinical rotations sites?

No. All students must rotate through each clinical affiliate site.

Can I enroll in the Radiation Therapy Bachelor of Science program part‐time?

No. The RT program is a full‐time program during the Upper Division. Students are enrolled in didactic and clinical instruction which consists of a 40‐hour week. Clinical practicums are scheduled during the summer sessions (6 credits) between the junior and senior year, which are full‐time.

Are there scholarships available to help fund my education?

Yes. Please contact the Program Director for more information on scholarships. The University has a list of scholarships under the Financial Aid website.