Radiation Therapy CSN Partnership Program

Radiation therapists are trained to provide patient care and apply problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills in the administration of treatment protocols, tumor localization and dosimetry.

This program provides students with classroom instruction, laboratory simulation practice, and supervised rotations in cancer centers. Graduates of this accredited program are eligible to test for the national certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Radiation therapy students will be trained to work with radiation oncologists and deliver daily doses of ionizing radiation.

Note: If you are looking to become a Radiological Technologist, MRI or CT Tech, check out TMCC's Radiology Technology Program.

X-ray Machine Image

Program Description

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers a 21-month Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiation Therapy Technology. Note that the ARRT credential in Radiography or Nuclear Medicine is not required for admission into the AAS degree program.

This program prepares the graduate to work with radiation oncologists in delivering daily doses of ionizing radiation to the prescribed tumor volume.

What to Expect

This is a full-time, 21-month program starting in August. Students receive both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in cancer centers. Graduates receive an AAS degree, and are eligible to sit for the national American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination.

  • Classroom Instruction: Students participate in CSN classroom instruction through teleconferencing at TMCC.
  • Lab: Lab training for those attending through TMCC will be held at a cancer center after normal business hours.
  • Clinical Rotations: Clinical rotations, in addition to classroom instruction, will begin in the Spring Semester. TMCC students will complete rotations in facilities in northern Nevada.

Nature of Work

Radiation Therapists apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, oncology, radiation techniques, treatment planning and dosimetry in their work. Effective communication with patients, health professionals, and the public is essential. Competence and compassion must be displayed in meeting the special needs of the oncology patients.

Radiation Therapists do the following:

  • Administer a prescribed course of radiation therapy, provide patient care, and maintain treatment records.
  • Evaluate and assess the radiation delivery, the responses of the patient, and ensure the quality of care.
  • May also do tumor localization, patient follow-up, and patient education.
  • They are also responsible for technical problem solving, daily machine warm-ups, quality control checks, and maintaining a safe work environment.

Work Policy

All student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations, will be educational in nature. Students will not receive any monetary compensation during this educational experience, nor will the student work in place of hired staff within the clinical institution.

Where To Start

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Before Submitting your Program Application

  1. Apply to CSN
  2. Request your TMCC credits be transferred to CSN
  3. Complete a Health Program Orientation
  4. Meet with a Health Programs Advisor (Note: when you schedule your appointment on-line, let them know you need to set up a phone advisement.)

For more information, please contact us or contact the CSN Health Programs Advisement Office.

Accreditation

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiation Therapy is housed in an institution which has achieved regional accreditation status by the:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
425-558-4224 (Voice)
425-376-0596 (Fax)

Outcomes

Program outcomes for the (CSN) graduating class of 2017:

  • Attrition Rate: 0%
  • Job Placement Rate: 60% with 20% of the students going on to complete their BAS degree
  • Credential Success Rate: 91% pass rate with a mean scaled score of 82.7%