BS in Radiation Therapy
Admission
Pre-Professional Track (High School & Transfer Students)
- Minimum GPA if applying without test scores: 3.0.
- Minimum GPA and test scores if applying with test scores: 2.75-2.99 GPA and a 19 ACT or 1030 SAT score.
- Completion of required math placement testing. Information regarding the math placement test is located here: Math Placement Testing https://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/mathstats/placement/
Admission to the University as a pre-Radiation Therapy major does not guarantee admission into the limited-enrollment professional track of the program. Students must apply to our competitive admission process for acceptance into the professional track. The professional track consists of all RDON 3000 and 4000 level coursework, including laboratory and clinical education experiences.
Professional Track
Students must be accepted into the Radiation Therapy Professional Track prior to registration for RDON 3000- and 4000- level courses.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must complete the following:
- Submit a Radiation Therapy Professional Track application
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application
- Successfully complete all prerequisite coursework by the end of the application semester
*All prerequisite mathematics and science coursework must be completed within five (5) years of the professional track application deadline to be considered for admission into the Radiation Therapy Program. - Be enrolled in and successfully complete RDON 1010 Introduction to Radiation Therapy at The University of Toledo during the application semester
- Earn a minimum grade of B (84%) in the following prerequisite courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EXSC 2460 | Human Anatomy And Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| EXSC 2470 | Human Anatomy And Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| EXSC 2560 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| EXSC 2570 | Human Anatomy and Physiol II | 3 |
| EXSC 2580 | Human Pathophysiology For Health Care | 3 |
| HEAL 1800 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 2600 | Introduction To Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS 1750 | Introduction To Physics | 4 |
Courses completed using Pass/Fail grading will not be accepted for pre-professional track requirements requiring a grade of B or higher unless the official transcript reflects a letter grade equivalent to a B (84%) or higher.
6. Complete a minimum of 8 hours of observation/clinical experience in a radiation therapy department
Observation experiences are coordinated by Radiation Therapy Program Officials during the RDON 1010 Introduction to Radiation Therapy course.
Due to the sequenced and competency-based nature of the curriculum, all Radiation Therapy (RDON) professional coursework, including RDON 1010 Introduction to Radiation Therapy, must be completed through the University of Toledo Radiation Therapy Program. Transfer credit will not be accepted for professional Radiation Therapy coursework.
Professional Track Progression Requirements
- A minimum grade of B- (2.7) must be achieved in all professional track didactic and clinical courses to progress within the program.
- Students are permitted a maximum of two attempts to successfully complete a professional track course with the required minimum grade.
- Students must adhere to the prescribed professional track course and clinical rotation sequence.
- Failure to achieve the required minimum grade in a professional track course or withdrawal from a professional track course will result in removal from the professional track course sequence and withdrawal from all professional track courses within that semester.
- Reapplication for reentry is required based upon course sequencing and course availability.
- Reentry consideration occurs when the required course sequence is offered again.
- Professional track courses are offered once per academic year.
- Students must successfully complete all required competency evaluations and clinical performance requirements.
- Students must maintain compliance with all clinical, health, safety, and professional requirements throughout enrollment.
Failure to meet progression requirements may result in Professional Probation, delay in progression, failure of a course, clinical removal, or dismissal from the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit a completed application
- Submit a résumé and cover letter describing the applicant’s professional goals and motivation for pursuing the profession
- Complete required observation experience
- Submit required observation documentation
- Complete a minimum of 25 hours of documented paid or volunteer patient care experience
- Meet all admission and compliance requirements
- Participate in the required admissions interview process
All eligibility requirements and application materials must be completed prior to participation in the admissions interview process conducted at the end of the spring semester.
Compliance Requirements
As part of eligibility for acceptance into the professional track, students are required to participate in observation experiences conducted during the second half of RDON 1010 – Introduction to Radiation Therapy. Participation in these observation experiences is contingent upon completion of the following compliance requirements by week 8 of RDON 1010. Compliance requirements must be maintained throughout enrollment in the professional track and clinical education experiences.
- BCI & FBI background check
- Minimum 10-panel drug screen
- Clinic Clearance Form completed by a licensed healthcare provider
- Annual tuberculosis screening
- Hepatitis B vaccination series
- Positive antibody titers/immunization documentation for Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps, and Varicella
- Tdap vaccination within the last 10 years
- Annual influenza vaccination
- COVID vaccination is highly recommended
- Proof of health insurance
- Health insurance must be maintained throughout enrollment in the professional track. Students utilizing independent health insurance coverage may be required to complete the University waiver process. Health Insurance
Competitive Selection Factors
Eligible applicants are competitively evaluated based upon:
- Higher education cumulative GPA
- Prerequisite course performance
- Observation Clinical Preceptor evaluation score
- Interview score
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| HEAL 1800 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles Of Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL 2950 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| EXSC 2560 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| EXSC 2460 | Human Anatomy And Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| PHIL 1020 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| COMM 2840 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| EXSC 2570 | Human Anatomy and Physiol II | 3 |
| EXSC 2470 | Human Anatomy And Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| HEAL 3800 | Death And Dying | 3 |
| SOC 1010 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| MATH 2600 | Introduction To Statistics | 3 |
| PHIL 3370 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| RDON 1010 | Introduction to Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| EXSC 2580 | Human Pathophysiology For Health Care | 3 |
| PHYS 1750 | Introduction To Physics | 4 |
| RDON 3130 | Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy I | 3 |
| RDON 3100 | Radiation Therapy Physics I | 3 |
| RDON 3110 | Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| RDON 3120 | Patient Care Management | 3 |
| RDON 3140 | Imaging and Processing in Radiation Oncology | 3 |
| RDON 3150 | Radiation Therapy Practices Lab | 1 |
| RDON 3210 | Clinical Practicum I | 5 |
| RDON 3200 | Radiation Therapy Physics II | 3 |
| RDON 3230 | Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy II | 3 |
| RDON 3240 | Principles & Practices of Radiation Therapy II Lab | 1 |
| RDON 3300 | Clinical Practicum II | 7 |
| RDON 4160 | Radiation Biology for Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| RDON 4110 | Dosimetry | 3 |
| RDON 4120 | Dosimetry Lab | 1 |
| RDON 4130 | Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| RDON 4200 | Quality Assurance & Operational Issues | 3 |
| RDON 4210 | Senior Seminar in Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| RDON 4220 | Clinical Practicum IV | 6 |
| PSC 1210 | American National Government and Civics (Civics Requirement) | 3 |
| or CLT 2000 | The American Constitutional Tradition | |
| U.S. Diversity | 3 | |
| Non-U.S. Diversity | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | College Algebra | 3 |
| EXSC 2560 | Anatomy and Physiology I (Natural Science Core) | 3 |
| EXSC 2460 | Human Anatomy And Physiology I Lab (Natural Science Core) | 1 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles Of Psychology (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| U.S. Diversity/Core Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ENGL 2950 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| EXSC 2570 | Human Anatomy and Physiol II ( ) | 3 |
| EXSC 2470 | Human Anatomy And Physiology II Lab ( ) | 1 |
| PHIL 1020 | Critical Thinking (Arts and Humanities Core) | 3 |
| COMM 2840 | Interpersonal Communication (Arts and Humanities Core) | 3 |
| Non-U.S. Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Term | ||
| EXSC 2580 | Human Pathophysiology For Health Care | 3 |
| PHYS 1750 | Introduction To Physics (Natural Science Core) | 4 |
| HEAL 3800 | Death And Dying | 3 |
| SOC 1010 | Introduction To Sociology (Social Sciences Core ) | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| RDON 1010 | Introduction to Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| HEAL 1800 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 2600 | Introduction To Statistics | 3 |
| PHIL 3370 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| PSC 1210 or CLT 2000 | American National Government and Civics (Civics Requirement) or The American Constitutional Tradition | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| RDON 3100 | Radiation Therapy Physics I | 3 |
| RDON 3110 | Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| RDON 3120 | Patient Care Management | 3 |
| RDON 3130 | Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy I | 3 |
| RDON 3140 | Imaging and Processing in Radiation Oncology | 3 |
| RDON 3150 | Radiation Therapy Practices Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| RDON 3200 | Radiation Therapy Physics II | 3 |
| RDON 3210 | Clinical Practicum I | 5 |
| RDON 3230 | Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy II | 3 |
| RDON 3240 | Principles & Practices of Radiation Therapy II Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| RDON 3300 | Clinical Practicum II | 7 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| RDON 4160 | Radiation Biology for Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| RDON 4110 | Dosimetry | 3 |
| RDON 4120 | Dosimetry Lab | 1 |
| RDON 4130 | Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Ninth Term | ||
| RDON 4200 | Quality Assurance & Operational Issues | 3 |
| RDON 4210 | Senior Seminar in Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| RDON 4220 | Clinical Practicum IV | 6 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1. Our students will demonstrate proficient communication skills. Learning outcomes: • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills. • Students will exhibit effective written communication skills.
- 2. Our students will demonstrate critical thinking. Learning outcomes: • Students will analyze radiation therapy cases. • Students will analyze and provide a solution for a simulation/treatment scenario.
- 3. Our students will demonstrate professionalism. Learning outcomes: • Students will demonstrate professionalism at clinic • Students will produce a plan for their professional career development.
- 4. Our students will be clinically competent entry level Radiation Therapists. Learning outcome: • Students will demonstrate correct image alignment • Students will demonstrate proficiency in simulation
RDON 1010 Introduction to Radiation Therapy
[3 credit hours]
The course provides an overview of the basics of radiation therapy and the practitioner's role in health care delivery. Principles, practices and policies of health care organizations will be discussed, as well as safety concerns and the professional responsibilities of the radiation therapist. The course also describes the inter-relatedness of standards of care, laws, ethical standards and professional competence. The student must receive a minimum of a B in this course to be eligible to apply to the Radiation Therapy Professional track.
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 3100 Radiation Therapy Physics I
[3 credit hours]
Radiation Physics I content establishes a basic knowledge of physics as it applies to the radiation therapy clinical setting. Covered in this course are the fundamental physical units and measurements, basic principles, atomic structure, and types of radiation. Also presented are the fundamentals of radiation generating equipment, x-ray production and x-ray interactions with matter. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3110 Sectional Anatomy
[3 credit hours]
The Sectional Anatomy course introduces students to medical imaging methods currently used in the field of radiation therapy. Students will identify normal anatomical structures via a variety of imaging formats. Basic anatomical relationships will be compared using topographical and cross-sectional images. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Corequisites: RDON 3150
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3120 Patient Care Management
[3 credit hours]
This course provides radiation therapy students with the foundational concepts in the care process of patients during the course of radiation therapy treatment delivery. Both the physical and psychological needs of patients will be explored. The course will address both routine and emergency care procedures. The student must receive a minimum grade of a B- to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Corequisites: RDON 3150
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3130 Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy I
[3 credit hours]
This course provides an overview of cancer and the specialty of radiation therapy. Historic and current aspects of cancer treatment are covered, along with the roles and responsibilities of the radiation therapist. The equipment used in radiation therapy including historic, current and emerging are examined. In addition, treatment prescription, techniques and delivery are discussed. Explores the management of neoplastic disease to include respiratory, central nervous, endocrine, lymphoreticular, hematopoietic, musculoskeletal, benign conditions and HIV related neoplasms. The epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neoplastic disease are evaluated in relation to histology, anatomical site and patterns of spread. Examines the role of Radiation Therapy in palliative care. The radiation therapist’s responsibility in the management of neoplastic disease will be examined and linked to specific professional skills within their scope. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to proceed in the professional track of the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Corequisites: RDON 3150
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3140 Imaging and Processing in Radiation Oncology
[3 credit hours]
This course covers the factors that affect production and recording of radiographic images for patient simulation, treatment planning and treatment verification, with an emphasis on radiation oncology imaging equipment and related devices. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Corequisites: RDON 3150
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3150 Radiation Therapy Practices Lab
[1 credit hour]
This course is the lab component to accompany RDON 3110 Sectional Anatomy, RDON 3120 Patient Care Management, RDON 3130 Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy I and RDON 3140 Imaging and Processing in Radiation Oncology. The course provides students the opportunity to demonstrate radiation safety practices, leveling skills, patient transfers, taking vital signs, patient communication/education and assisting with patient personal care. Additionally, students will identify anatomy on images and evaluate images. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 1010 with a minimum grade of B
Corequisites: RDON 3110, RDON 3120, RDON 3130, RDON 3140
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 3200 Radiation Therapy Physics II
[3 credit hours]
The Radiation Therapy Physics II course reviews and expands basic physics concepts and theories to include content specific to radiation therapy. Detailed analysis of the structure of matter, properties of radiation, nuclear transformations, x-ray production and interactions of ionizing radiation are included. Also presented are treatment units used in external radiation therapy, quality evaluation of ionizing radiation, absorbed dose measurement, dose distribution and scatter analysis. Radiation protection is also covered in this course. The content presents the basic principles of radiation protection and safety for the radiation therapist. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations are included, as well as the specific responsibilities of radiation therapists. The student must complete this course with a B- or better to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 3100 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 3210 Clinical Practicum I
[5 credit hours]
This course is the first in a series of four clinical practice courses. The clinical practicum courses are designed to provide sequential development of patient care and procedural information specific to radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, radiation therapy students are introduced to team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development The student must receive a minimum of a B- in order to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 3110 with a minimum grade of B- and RDON 3120 with a minimum grade of B- and RDON 3130 with a minimum grade of B- and RDON 3140 with a minimum grade of B- and RDON 3150 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 3230 Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy II
[3 credit hours]
This course is a continuation of RDON 3130 Principles & Practice I. It provides an overview of cancer and the specialty of radiation therapy. Historic and current aspects of cancer treatment are covered, along with the roles and responsibilities of the radiation therapist. In addition, treatment prescription, techniques and delivery are discussed. Examines the management of neoplastic disease to include Genitourinary, Reproductive, Gastrointestinal, Head & Neck, Breast, and Pediatric neoplasms. The epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neoplastic disease are evaluated in relation to histology, anatomical site and patterns of spread. The radiation therapist’s responsibility in the management of neoplastic disease will be examined and linked to specific professional skills within their scope. Must receive a B- or better in the course to progress in the Radiation Therapy program.
Prerequisites: RDON 3130 with a minimum grade of B-
Corequisites: RDON 3240
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 3240 Principles & Practices of Radiation Therapy II Lab
[1 credit hour]
This course is the lab component to accompany RDON 3230 Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy II. The course provides students the opportunity to demonstrate radiation safety practices, leveling skills, patient transfers, patient communication/education. Students will identify anatomy on image and evaluate images. Additionally, students will develop a simulation plan. The student must receive a B- or better in this course to progress in the program.
Corequisites: RDON 3230
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 3300 Clinical Practicum II
[7 credit hours]
RDON 3300 is the second in a series of clinical practice courses. During this course the student is to continue and build upon the skills learned in Introduction to Clinical Practicum. The student is expected to have progressed from observation to a participatory role in the simulation and treatment of the patients. Additionally, the student will begin to participate in quality assurance. The clinical practicum courses are designed to provide sequential development of patient care and procedural information specific to radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, radiation therapy students are introduced to team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development. Students must complete all RDON professional track courses with a B- or better to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 3210 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Summer
RDON 4110 Dosimetry
[3 credit hours]
The Dosimetry course content explains factors that influence clinical planning of patient treatment. This includes isodose descriptions, patient contouring, radiobiologic considerations, dosimetric calculations, compensation and clinical application of treatment beams. Optimal treatment planning is emphasized, and particle beams, stereotactic and emerging technologies are presented. The student must receive a B- or better in this course in order to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 3200 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 4120 Dosimetry Lab
[1 credit hour]
This lab course should be taken in parallel to RDON 4110 – Dosimetry. In this lab we will learn the basics of treatment planning, from contouring to calculating isodose distributions. The Dosimetry Lab course content consists of hands-on practical exercises in the use of a commercial treatment planning system to design a treatment plan for a patient. Exercises will include the basic use of treatment planning systems, contouring and elements of plan design. The student must receive a B- or better in this course in order to progress in the program.
Corequisites: RDON 4110
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 4130 Clinical Practicum III
[6 credit hours]
This course is the third in a series of clinical practice courses. In Clinical Practicum II the student continues to utilize and build upon the skills learned in the previous clinical practice course. The student is to demonstrate active participation in the simulation and treatment of the Radiation Therapy patient. The student will expand their knowledge of Radiation Therapy by researching and observing emerging technologies. Additionally, the student will take an active role in Quality Assurance procedures. The clinical practicum courses are designed to provide sequential development of patient care and procedural information specific to radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, radiation therapy students are introduced to team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development. All professional Track Radiation Therapy courses require a minimum of a B- in order to progress in the program
Prerequisites: RDON 3300 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 4160 Radiation Biology for Radiation Therapy
[3 credit hours]
A series of introductory lectures on radiation biology with emphasis on the effects of radiation on cells and cellular components, tissues, and organisms. Dose-response relationships, dose-effect modifiers, and considerations applicable to radiation therapy treatments are among covered topics.
Prerequisites: RDON 3230 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Fall
RDON 4200 Quality Assurance & Operational Issues
[3 credit hours]
Quality management, quality assurance, safety and operations content describe the development of a culture of safety through quality control and assurance checks. This process includes the clinical aspects of patient care, medical records, treatment delivery, localization equipment and treatment planning equipment. The role of the various radiation therapy team members in quality management will be discussed as well as the legal and regulatory implications for maintaining optimal patient care. Accreditation agencies and the radiation therapist’s role in the accreditation process will also be covered. The student must receive a B- or better in this course in order to progress in the program.
Prerequisites: RDON 4110 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 4210 Senior Seminar in Radiation Therapy
[3 credit hours]
This is the didactic capstone course for the program. This purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to express their knowledge of the principles of radiation therapy. The student will review radiation therapy cases and present the information in research papers and presentations. The second focus of the course is to prepare the student to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge of the program material. The student must receive a minimum grade of a B- on the Program Final and pass the course with a minimum grade of B- or better to meet graduation requirements.
Prerequisites: RDON 4110 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Spring
RDON 4220 Clinical Practicum IV
[6 credit hours]
This course is the final in a series of clinical practice courses. In Clinical Practicum III the student is expected to continue utilizing and expanding upon the skills attained in the previous three clinical practicum courses. By the end of Clinical Practicum III, the student is to demonstrate competency of the skills required of an entry level Radiation Therapist. The clinical practicum courses are designed to provide sequential development of patient care and procedural information specific to radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, radiation therapy students are introduced to team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development. The student must receive a minimum grade of a B- on the Clinical Capstone Assessment. Additionally, the student must pass the course with a minimum grade of a B-
Prerequisites: RDON 4130 with a minimum grade of B-
Term Offered: Spring