The Radiation Therapy specialization prepares students for a clinical internship.  Radiation therapists use various types of ionizing radiation in the treatment of human diseases, primarily cancer.  The primary responsibility of the Radiation Therapist is to implement the treatment programs prescribed by a radiation oncologist and planned in conjunction with a physicist and dosimetrist.  Practitioners of radiation therapy must possess qualities such as good judgment and compassion towards patients.

Clinical Internship

Students may apply for specialization standing in Radiation Therapy after completing the BDTS core curriculum, generally at the end of the sophomore year.  Application to the clinical internship is made during the winter semester of sophomore year.  The junior and senior years consist of a two-year clinical and didactic educational program at an approved school of radiation therapy.

Oakland University is affiliated with the accredited radiation therapy clinical program at Beaumont Health System.  Acceptance into the internship is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation.  Desirable candidates possess qualities/abilities in communication, computer literacy, leadership, multitasking, problem solving, and critical thinking. Patient contact experience, volunteering with patients and advanced course work are also considered favorably in the admissions process.

Curriculum

Students in the radiation therapy specialization must complete the following courses.  For a complete description of courses, please review the Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Science Program entry in the Undergraduate Catalog. 

COURSE	CREDIT
CSE 110    Computer Literacy	2
MTH 141   Precalculus	4
PHY 158    General Physical Laboratory	2
RT 301       Intro to Radiation Therapy	2
RT 311       Patient Care and Management	2
RT 315      Seminar in Radiation Oncology	3
RT 321      Radiographic Imaging and Anatomy	2
RT 323      Radiobology	2
RT 331      Radiation Physics	3
RT 333      Clinical Dosimetry	3
RT 334      Brachytherapy and Radiation Protection	3
RT 335      Quality Assurance	2
RT 341      Oncologic Pathology	3
RT 342      Technical Radiation Oncology I	3
RT 343      Technical Radiation Oncology II	3
RT 344      Clinical Radiation Oncology	2
RT 401-406 Clinical Practicum	24
TOTAL SPECIALIZATION CREDITS	65

Students must provide a copy of the hospital program acceptance letter to advising office for specialization to be added for all areas. This will affect registration.

All students applying to Radiation Therapy program must complete a graduation audit with their SHS academic adviser while applying to this program.