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 practice radiation protection.

Goal 2:  Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate written 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 professional continuing education activities.
• Students will be members of professional societies.

Goal 6:  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 #6 are available for review under Program Data.  

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 Health Munster in Munster, IN; Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois; Methodist Hospital of Gary, Inc., Southlake campus in Merrillville;  Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC, in Westville; Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center in Michigan City, IN; Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL; St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, IN. 

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, parking fees at clinical sites, and radiation monitoring.

Important Information about This Program

Please note that this is a hybrid program.  Students enrolled in a hybrid program are expected to complete more than 20% of their coursework face-to-face over the course of the degree.  Exceeding this limit may result in the loss of coursework that will apply to the degree.

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.

The program was last evaluated according to the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiation Therapy (2014) and was awarded maintenance of accreditation for a period of eight years.  The next site visit, tentatively scheduled for the Second Quarter of 2024. 

Program Admission Process

Applicants for admission to the program will be expected to:

1. Apply and be admitted to Indiana University Northwest.
2. Submit an application (Deadline date is January 15th).
3. Provide evidence of registration eligibility with American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) if applicable.
4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all radiography courses, if applicable.
5. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale for all coursework.
6. Students must meet the list of Technical Standards for admission to the program.  The list is Essential Abilities is mailed to all program applicants.  Preference is given to healthcare professions (AS degree or higher in a healthcare patient care related field) and preference is also given to Radiographers.  Admission to the professional year is competitive.  Students are selected based on their previous academic background.  Professional Assessment in Radiologic Sciences (PARS), and evidence of registration if applying under the health care professional background.
   Admission Policies and Procedures