Radiation Therapy Associate Degree Program

The Radiation Therapy Program utilizes didactic, laboratory, and clinical education to train students to work as Radiation Therapists in cancer treatment centers. Radiation Therapists work under the direction of an oncologist to treat patients with malignant diseases using ionizing radiation. The degree of Associate in Science with a major in Radiation Therapy is awarded upon successful completion of the program. A certificate option is available for students with prior degrees in Radiological Sciences. Radiation Therapists work in hospitals, private radiation oncology centers and research centers.

The Radiation Therapy degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). For further information, please contact JRCERT at 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606.

Admission to the Radiation Therapy program is very competitive. Selection is determined by a cumulative point system that is based on the high school prerequisite courses and grades, college courses and grades (only those courses required in the Radiation Therapy Program), an observation essay and a personal interview. It is highly recommended that applicants complete as many General Education courses (non-Radiation Therapy courses) as possible prior to application to the program. This will enhance the application for admission as well as lighten the academic load. These courses can be taken at NHTI through the General Studies Program. Once in the General Studies Program students should consult that program's department head regarding course selection. A "Request for Change of Program" form, available from the Admissions Office, should be submitted during the Fall Semester prior to the program start date.

The deadline to receive applications and obervation essay is: February 13, 2009.

Specific Admission Requirements

Preference will be given to applicants whose applications are complete and received by the NHTI Admissions Office no later than February 13, 2009 (with the exception of the interview) for Fall 2009 admission.

1. High school or college biology with lab AND chemistry with lab, both with grades of “C” or higher;
2. College preparatory Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry with grades of “C” or higher OR NHTI's MT 108 and MT 109 with grades of “C” or higher;
3. High school level physics is recommended;
4. Clinical observation period in a Radiation Oncology Center; criteria established by and available from program faculty; call 603-271-7159 for information;
5. Completion of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Airway Obstruction Management for one and two person adult, infant and child before program registration;
6. A personal interview will be arranged with the applicant by the Admissions Office once the admission file is complete.

Health, Character and Technical Requirements
The student must have sufficient strength and motor coordination required to perform the following physical activities:

1. Standing for sustained periods of time and walking most of the work day to accomplish tasks;
2. Frequent reaching and manual dexterity in handling accessory equipment for radiographic purposes including typing on computer terminals;
3. Frequently transporting, moving, lifting and transferring patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to and from a radiographic table.

In addition, the student must have:

1. Sufficient eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment and evaluate radiographic quality. Visual acuity (correctable) sufficient to work with analyzing data and figures, working with computer terminals, extensive reading, visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and operation of machines;
2. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs;
3. Sufficient writing skills to communicate needs promptly and effectively. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Primary functions include activities in which the student must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to patients, physicians, families, and other employees accurately, and loudly or quickly; and
4. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond appropriately to unexpected situations. Ability to work with wide variations in work load and stress levels.

Radiation Therapy Clinical Sites
Elliot Regional Cancer Center, Manchester, NH
The Kingsbury Center for Cancer Care, Keene, NH
Nashua Regional Cancer Center, Nashua, NH
Newburyport Cancer Center, Newburyport, NH
Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH
Payson Cancer Center, Concord, NH
Saints Medical Center, Lowell, MA
Seacoast Cancer Center, Dover, NH

Information about transferring to other institutions

Revised November 4, 2008

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