Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy | Undergraduate

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.

The primary responsibilities of radiation therapists are to provide service delivery for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.  Career opportunities for radiation therapists include positions as staff radiation therapists, clinical instructors, managers, administrators, sales/private industry, researchers and educators. Many graduates pursue graduate study in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and public health to name a few.

The Department offers an accredited educational program in the field of radiation therapy. The four-year integrated academic and clinical program has two divisions. The Lower Division includes the first and second years where students complete general education requirements. Individuals who successfully complete all Lower Division requirements are eligible to apply for admission into 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 affiliated hospitals.Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply to take the national certification examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists with specialization in radiation therapy.

Accreditation

The College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

20 North Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Ph: (312)704-5300
Fax: (312) 704-5304
e-mail: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation award is five years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here. 

Current recognized clinical settings in the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia include:

• Luminis Health/Doctors Regional Cancer Center - Bowie, MD
• Luminis Health/Doctors Regional Cancer Center - Lanham, MD
• Howard University Hospital - Washington, DC
• Johns Hopkins Medicine/Sibley Memorial Hospital - Washington, DC
• Johns Hopkins Medicine/Suburban Hospital – Bethesda, MD
• MedStar-Georgetown University Hospital - Washington, DC
• Medstar Rad America II, LLC – Olney, MD
• Medstar Rad America II, LLC – Clinton, MD
• Maryland Oncology Hematology – White Oak, MD

For specific questions regarding the Radiation Therapy program, please contact us.

To learn more about program accreditation, please visit the JRCERT Website.

Program Effectiveness

2020-2024 PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS

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

“On July 25, 2023, the Program was awarded  Accreditation for a period of five years.”

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.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiation Therapy program at Howard University is to provide quality educational opportunities in a culturally diverse environment to prepare entry-level radiation therapists who are competent, compassionate, and engaged in discovering solutions to human and social problems nationally and globally. Emphasis is placed on the education of individuals from under-represented groups.

Vision Statement

The Department of Radiation Therapy will prepare national and international radiation therapy leaders of excellence in service delivery through undergraduate and graduate education, conducting research in cancer management utilizing state-of-the-art technologies.

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.

JRCERT Procedure for Reporting Allegations

Important Notes

1. The JRCERT cannot advocate on behalf of any student(s). An investigation into allegations of non-compliance addresses only the program’s compliance with accreditation standards and will not affect the status of any individual student.
2. The investigation process may take several months.
3. The JRCERT will not divulge the identity of any complainant(s) unless required to do so through legal process.

Process

1. Before submitting allegations, the individual must first attempt to resolve the complaint directly with program/institution officials by following the due process or grievance procedures provided by the program/institution. Each program/institution is required to publish its internal complaint procedure in an informational document such as a catalog or student handbook. (Standard One, Objective 1.6)
2. If the individual is unable to resolve the complaint with program/institution officials or believes that the concerns have not been properly addressed, he or she may submit allegations of non-compliance to the JRCERT: Chief Executive Officer Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
   
   20 North Wacker Drive
   Suite 2850
   Chicago, IL 60606-3182
   Ph: (312) 704-5300
   Fax: (312) 704-5304
   e-mail: mail@jrcert.org
3. The Allegations Reporting Form must be completed and sent to the above address with required supporting materials. All submitted documentation must be legible.
4. Forms submitted without a signature or the required supporting material will not be considered.
5. If a complainant fails to submit appropriate materials as requested, the complaint will be closed.

The Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, as amended, provides that a student, graduate, faculty or any other individual who believes he or she has been aggrieved by an educational program or institution has the right to submit documented allegation(s) to the agency accrediting the institution or program.

The JRCERT, recognized by the United States Department of Education for the accreditation of radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry educational programs investigates allegation(s) submitted, in writing, signed by any individual with reason to believe that an accredited program has acted contrary to the relevant accreditation standards or that conditions at the program appear to jeopardize the quality of instruction or the general welfare of its students. 

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%. Students must answer a series of ethics questions put forth by the ARRT which determine eligibility for licensure. 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 violations (of their own), are welcome to complete the ARRT Ethics Review Pre-Application Process six months prior to enrollment/completion of terminal award.

If a Radiation Therapy graduate delays taking the ARRT national board examination or is unsuccessful after three attempts, the student will be required to complete a radiation therapy program of study again.

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).

• Degree Classification: Undergraduate
• Related Degrees: B.S.
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

Policies and Procedures

Radiation Therapy Student Handbook

Radiation Therapy Clinical Handbook

Lower Division

Students must meet Howard University’s general admission requirements.

• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Upper Division

Students should request the program application package from the Department of Radiation Therapy. The completed application package must include:

• Completed Upper Division Application Form (PDF)
• Attain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Statement of Interest and Goals
• Two Recommendation Letters and Group Interview

Need more information about our academic program? Download the Radiation Therapy Fact Sheet (PDF).

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary by school, college and level and dependent upon full-time or part-time. Additional charges are assessed if a student exceeds the maximum allowable credit hours and/or lives in campus housing and chooses a meal plan. An official schedule of Tuition and Fees can be found here: https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid.

Technical Standards for Admissions

Applicants must have satisfactory abilities and skills to perform medical procedures with accuracy and precision.

To practice radiation therapy, speed, safety, and accuracy are of primary importance. To be considered for admission, applicants must be able to perform the following tasks:

• Read and comprehend technical and medical terminology and information
• Communicate (orally and in written form) using active listening with patients, staff and other personnel clearly and effectively
• Demonstrate ability to follow oral and written directions/instructions
• Sit and/or stand (or a combination of both as required), up to eight hours per day
• Lift or carry approximately fifty pounds of weight
• Move or transfer patients safely to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds and simulation/treatment couches
• Demonstrate normal or corrected vision and hearing to discern visual/audible signals, sounds on equipment and communication devices (ability to see details at close range or within a few feet of the observer, as well as in a darkened/poorly lit room)
• Show dexterity and strength to perform daily on-the-job tasks
• Work compassionately with individuals that have illnesses and conditions by assisting or caring for patients by providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to patients, staff, classmates, or other customers
• Accurately and efficiently organize and perform tasks as assigned
• Observe patients visually or via monitors during simulation or treatment procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, precalculus, statistics, and their applications
• Demonstrate use of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar for verbal or written comprehension
• Ability to apply deductive and inductive reasoning to form general rules or conclusions
• Demonstrate time management skills; ability to multi-task, and work in strenuous environment(s)

Students with Disabilities

Howard University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to persons with documented disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other pertinent federal, state, and local disability and anti-discrimination laws. Students must self-identify to the Dean of the Office of Student Services, located in the Howard University Undergraduate Library. Students may contact the department by phone at (202) 806-2420. Students must register with the office within the first week of class and at the beginning of each subsequent semester for which accommodations are requested. Students will receive reasonable accommodations based on the recommendations of a licensed physician. A letter of accommodations will be given to students for delivery to the faculty, who will provide the accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities will be individually considered on the basis of their ability.

Transfer Students

Requirements for the admission of transfer students are as follows:

• Submit a completed Howard University Application
• Complete at least one semester of full-time study (15 credit hours) including Math and English – 3 credits each where appropriate
• Provide sealed official academic transcript from each Institution of higher learning attended
• Transcript with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale upper division

NOTE: The Admissions Committee of the Department may consider exceptions.

• Applicants with credits from accredited institutions of higher learning will be eligible to receive transfer credits where appropriate. Only those courses taken for credit with a grade of "C" or higher will be considered for transfer. The Department, at its discretion, may accept a student who may be deficient in one of the above specifications. For persons who do not meet the above criteria and have been out of high school for three or more years, admissions can be based on other factors such as maturity, work experience, military service, or other factors as determined by the department.