University of Michigan - Flint

The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy is a four-year,130 credit, baccalaureate degree program. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the Radiation Therapy Certification Examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) .

The profession of Radiation Therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation in the treatment of disease, primarily cancer. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. As a team member, the radiation therapist administers radiation to the exact area of the patient's body as prescribed by a physician.Most patients are treated 5 days per week for several weeks. As a result, the radiation therapist has a unique opportunity to develop a relationship with their patient. Radiation therapists monitor the patient's progress while they are receiving radiation therapy, observe for signs of complications, and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician is consulted.They also are a significant source of emotional support for the patient.

The Radiation Therapy Program at UM-Flint is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) , 20 North Wacker Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606-2901. .

Program Mission

The mission of the Radiation Therapy program is to provide high-quality, professional radiation therapy education to undergraduate students by: preparing graduates in radiation therapy to meet the needs of society through theory-based radiation therapy practice; preparing graduates who have the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with respect for cultural and human diversity; maintaining a radiation therapy curriculum that reflects the interactive aspects of radiation therapy with the psychosocial behavioral, physical, and natural sciences; collaborating with local and regional institutions/organizations to provide access to professional radiation therapy education; promoting service and scholarly endeavors relating to health care needs of the community of Flint and Southeastern Michigan; promoting lifelong learning for graduates in Radiation Therapy.

Program Goals

• To provide quality radiation therapy education in preparation of radiation therapists for entry-level positions in radiation therapy according to the standards identified by the Joint Review Committee.
• To prepare students to meet professional specifications established for national registration by the A.R.R.T. in radiation therapy.
• To build upon general education by preparing students to communicate well, think analytically, be intellectually adaptive, integrate knowledge and experience from different disciplines, apply ethical standards and values to the practice of radiation therapy and appreciate social and cultural diversity.
• To develop the student’s ability to function as an active member of the health care team.
• To encourage the advancement of knowledge through research.
• To foster the development of lifelong learning and service among students, graduates and faculty.