The University of Vermont’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences Radiation Therapy Concentration prepares students for a career utilizing ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer. The concentration educates students in anatomy, physiology, physics, radiation safety, patient care, and cancer management.

Radiation therapists operate radiation-producing equipment such as Computerized Tomography (CT) simulators and linear accelerators, assist radiation oncologists with treatment simulation, and administer daily prescribed treatment. Radiation therapists are able to develop relationships with their patients, since they usually see them five days each week.

Mission

The mission of the University of Vermont's Radiation Therapy program is to educate, train, and graduate professionally competent and ethical individuals committed to lifelong learning, and who are prepared to meet current and future workplace challenges in radiation therapy.

Student Learning Outcomes

Goal one: Graduates will be clinically competent

• Students will demonstrate competency positioning patients for accurate radiation therapy delivery.
• Students will integrate didactic and clinical course work to provide appropriate patient care.

Goal two: Students will exhibit problem solving and critical thinking skills

• Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in CT simulation in accordance to physician directive and patient needs.
• Students will recognize and address additional patient needs when appropriate in the treatment process.

Goal three: Students will communicate clearly and effectively with faculty, patients, and clinical staff

• Students will demonstrate effective verbal communication in the clinical setting.
• Students will demonstrate effective written communication.

Goal four: Students demonstrate the value of professional growth and development

• Students demonstrate professionalism and commitment to professional growth.
• Students demonstrate professionalism in the clinical setting.
• Students demonstrate professionalism and commitment to professional development.

Certification

Program graduates may acquire certification by sitting for an exam with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The Board of Radiologic Technology governs licensure requirements for the State of Vermont.

Program Effectiveness Data (2017)

*Only includes those actively seeking employment in radiation therapy. This information has been reported to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Curriculum

The Radiation Therapy curriculum includes focused study in the life sciences. On-campus clinical instruction occurs in the University of Vermont Medical Center Radiation Oncology Department, which is equipped with the latest technology for simulation treatment planning and the treatment of cancer.

Clinical Experience

All UVM radiation therapy students spend a full semester in their senior year at an off-campus affiliate site to acquire clinical competency prior to taking the ARRT national certification and state licensure examinations. Students are responsible for travel and lodging during the off-campus experience. Assignment of affiliate sites is completed through a lottery system. Learn more about state licensure requirements >>

Our students work one-on-one and with a team of oncology professionals in a hospital setting, where they solidify knowledge of accurately treating patients, designing treatment plans, and interacting with patients of all ages.

Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Vermont has been re-accredited for the period April 2014 - April 2019 by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606-3182; Phone: (312) 704-5304; Email: mail@jrcert.org; www.jrcert.org