Program Mission, Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor's Degree Radiation Therapy Program offered by Indiana University Northwest is designed to prepare students for professional careers as radiation therapists in the medical field. By providing pertinent learning experiences, the program faculty strives to develop students' interests in lifelong learning through the professional societies and continuing education. The curriculum is designed in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Design of the Professional Curriculum
The curriculum follows a pattern that trains the student to become skilled in the performance of radiation therapy procedures. Courses in radiologic principles, technical courses in radiation therapy, clinical application of theory, and general education are included in the curriculum. Lectures, lab, and clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program.
The Radiation Therapy Program has set forth the following goals and student learning outcomes:
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be competent in positioning patients.
- Students will accurately perform technical aspects of treatment delivery.
- Students will practice radiation protection.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
- Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to adapt to non-routine situations.
- Students will establish resolution and rationale for challenging circumstances that they may encounter.
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professional values.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate appropriate professional values in the clinical setting.
- Students will detail the ethical obligations described in the ARRT Code of Ethics.
Goal 5: Students will be involved in professional continuing education activities to instill a desire for lifelong learning.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will participate in community service activities.
Goal 6: Students will be involved in the community we serve.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Student will participate in community service activities.
Goal 7: The program will provide the medical community with individuals qualified to perform radiation therapy procedures.
Program Effectiveness Measures:
- Graduates will pass the ARRT exam on first attempt.
- Graduates will express confidence in the overall quality of their skills.
- Employers will express confidence in the overall quality of the graduate's skills.
- Of those pursuing employment, graduates will be gainfully employed within 12 months post-graduation.
- Students will successfully complete the program in the two year time frame.
Assessment data describe in Goal #7 are available for review: Radiation Therapy Program Effective Measures
Structure of the Professional program
Classes are held during the day. Clinical experience is scheduled in cooperation with the clinical site with experience during normal daytime hours.
Opportunity for Students to Work
Students may find full-time employment during the professional program difficult.
Description of Facilities
The Radiation Therapy Program offices and classrooms are located in the Dunes Medical/ Professional Building at IU Northwest. Clinical experiences have been planned in local hospitals, including the Community Hospital in Munster; Franciscan St. James Health in Olympia Fields, IL; Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Hammond; Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois; Memorial Hospital in South Bend; Methodist Hospital of Gary, Inc., in Merrillville; Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Dyer; Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC, in Westville.
Additional Costs
In addition to regular university tuition and fees, students should expect to pay program-related expenses such as books, uniforms, physical examination, drug screens, background checks, and radiation monitoring.
Accreditation
The Radiation Therapy Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182; phone (312) 704-5300; mail@jrcert.org; www.jrcert.org.
