The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy at UM-Flint is a four-year, 124 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 is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Mission
The Radiation Therapy program offers a relevant and respected education providing high-quality clinical and didactic experiences. Building from a foundation of collaboration and an evidence-based curriculum, students appreciate social and cultural diversity as well as the importance of lifelong learning and service. This rewarding radiation therapy education is a cornerstone to advancing quality compassionate cancer care.
Vision
- Students will be clinically competent.
- Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Students will appreciate social and cultural diversity.
- Students will evaluate the importance of professional lifelong learning and service.
Students applying to the program who are not UM-Flint students at the time of application must also submit a completed UM-Flint application including any transfer transcripts, indicating "Radiation Therapy" as the proposed field of study. The Radiation Therapy program application can be downloaded online or picked up in 3124 WSW, the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences.
The applicants are notified within two weeks of their interview through the Radiation Therapy Department first by email, and then by mail.
Once admitted into the program the student must earn a minimum grade of a B- in all courses. Prior to beginning the clinical component of the program, the student is required to have a completed physical.
Depending on the number of annual applicants, the Program reserves the right to interview twice as many applicants as there are clinical seats available. The Program can accommodate up to 10 students, depending upon clinical site availability; therefore the interviews will be limited to 20 applicants.
The applicants will be chosen for interviews based on the following criterion:
- Overall GPA
- GPA for MTP 320
- GPA for BIO 167 and BIO 168
- GPA for PHY 143 and PHY 145
- Completion of Observation Hours
- Demonstration of certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association. This certification must remain current throughout the program.
- Completion of all prerequisites
- Submission of all required application materials, including three references
- Demonstration of professionalism during advising sessions and observations at UMHS
Applicants for the Program will be evaluated on the above criteria as well as interview scores and a writing sample evaluation by an independent evaluator.
Please report 15 minutes before your interview time to the Health Sciences and Administration Department. You may be asked to wait in our sitting area. We may already be with another student and will be with you shortly.
The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. There will be three to five people on the Radiation Therapy Interview Committee. You will be asked approximately 12 to 16 questions involving information about yourself, your interest in Radiation Therapy, your work and life experiences, your radiation oncology observations, and qualifications.
Applicants will be reviewed for communication skills and the ability to deal with stressful situations, their awareness of the duties of a radiation therapist, and overall characteristics that would be most beneficial for the applicant to possess.
A list of prerequisite courses and additional requirements for admission is available in the U-M Flint Course Catalog.
View program effectiveness data for the Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy.
- Washtenaw Community College
- Delta College
These agreements do not guarantee acceptance into the UM-FLINT Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. Students will be considered on an equal basis with all other applicants provided they meet the prerequisites for admission to the Radiation Therapy Program as specified in the current UM-FLINT catalog.
