Radiation Oncology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
113

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare selected students to perform the responsibilities of an entry-level radiation therapist. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination leading to certification as a registered Radiation Therapist, RT(T).

Program Objectives: Graduates may apply for employment in hospitals, cancer centers, education, management, government agencies, and marketing and research.

Developmental Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.

English: – Applicants must receive a placement recommendation for ENG 111 or have successfully completed all developmental English requirements.

Math – Students who do not demonstrate proficiency in MTE 1 , MTE 2 , MTE 3 , MTE 4 , MTE 5 , MTE 6 , MTE 7 , MTE 8 , and MTE 9 must have successfully completed all developmental Mathematics requirements.

Although this program is not designed for transfer, agreements with specific institutions may exist. Contact the Radiation Oncology program head as listed on program webpage.

First Semester

SDV 100 - College Success Skills 1 CR ³
SDV 101 - Orientation to Health Professions 1 CR ³
BIO 145 - Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Sciences 4 CR ¹
HLT 105 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 1 CR ²
HLT 143 - Medical Terminology I 3 CR *
ROC 110 - Introduction to Radiation Oncology 2 CR
ROC 115 - Therapeutic Radiation Safety 1 CR
ROC 142 - Patient Care in Oncology 1 CR
ROC 125 - Pre-Clinical Techniques in Radiation Oncology 2 CR

Second Semester

ENG 111 - College Composition I 3 CR *
MTH 161 - Pre-Calculus I 3 CR *
ROC 120 - Radiation Oncology/Pathology I 3 CR *
ROC 131 - Clinical Clerkship I 4 CR
ROC 145 - Quality Improvement 2 CR *
ROC 151 - Introduction to Cross-Sectional Anatomy 2 CR

Third Semester (Summer)

ROC 132 - Clinical Clerkship II 5 CR *

Fourth Semester

PHI 220 - Ethics 3 CR
ROC 121 - Radiation Oncology/Pathology II 3 CR *
ROC 141 - Therapy Physics I 2 CR *
ROC 231 - Clinical Clerkship III 5 CR *
ROC 242 - Clinical Radiobiology 2 CR *

Fifth Semester

ROC 225 - Emerging Technologies in Radiation Oncology 1 CR *
ROC 232 - Clinical Clerkship IV 5 CR *
ROC 241 - Therapy Physics II 2 CR *
ROC 243 - Dosimetry Planning 2 CR *
ROC 244 - Professional Seminar 2 CR *
PSY 200 - Principles of Psychology 3 CR * (or PSY 230 or SOC 215 )

Total Minimum Credits for Degree: 68

¹ Students who have completed BIO 141 within five years prior to the date of admission into the program may receive credit for BIO 145 . BIO 145 must be completed within five years prior to date of admission to the program.

²HLT 105 or CPR certification can be used to satisfy this requirement.

³The two credit SDV 108 will satisfy both the SDV 100 and SDV 101 requirements. SDV 108 is for developmental English students.

* This course has a requisite.

Note: Support courses (non-ROC courses) may be taken prior to entry.

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Radiation Oncology program must hold a high-school diploma or GED and meet the developmental requirements. Additionally, applicants must complete prerequisites listed below with a grade of “C”or higher by the end of Spring Semester prior to the beginning of the program:

Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, or Developmental Mathematic Units 1-9
Two units of high school or college biology, chemistry, or physics
The applicant’s high school or college (if applicable) cumulative GPA must be at least 2.5 or higher. College GPA is based on at least 12 credit hours in a 12 month time frame. The GPA is determined at the end of the fall semester prior to admission.

Admission Procedures: The Radiation Oncology applicant is responsible for making certain that the following have been submitted in addition to a current college application by the March 15 deadline:

Completed program application form
Official high school transcript
Copy of GED scores if applicable
Official transcripts from all colleges attended (VWCC and other Virginia community college transcripts are not necessary)
Two (2) letters of recommendation, from employers or professors and the like
Copy of any professional licensure or certification

Note: If applying for the joint venture site at Northern Virginia Community College, applicants must complete a college application for NOVA, in addition to VWCC.

The Radiation Oncology Program is a selective admissions program requiring an application to the college as well as a separate application to the program.

The Radiation Oncology application form and additional program information can be accessed from our website at http://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health/oncology/index.php. Early application is encouraged for advising purposes.

Applicants must also take the math placement test at Virginia Western or another Virginia Community College. Additional information regarding the math evaluation procedures will be mailed to applicants upon receipt of the above completed academic file.

Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview appointment during the spring semester. Applicants considered by the Radiation Oncology Admissions Committee will be notified by mail in May regarding fall admission.

Students interested in this program should consult the VWCC Radiation Oncology Program page at http://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health/oncology to access information regarding the Essential Radiation Oncology Functions, Curriculum, and other information regarding the program.

Program Notes: The program has been accredited by the authority of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901. Telephone (312) 704-5300.

Individuals who have a felony or misdemeanor conviction may not be allowed to take the national certification exam. This decision is made by the the America Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). For questions regarding this issue call the ARRT or visit their website at www.ARRT.org.

Clinical agencies may require that students have periodic background checks and drug screenings completed at the student’s expense before beginning clinical rotations. A positive background check, drug screen, and/or felony conviction may dismiss the student from the program.

Retention Policy: Successful completion of the program requires students to maintain a “C”or better in all Radiation Oncology courses and MTH 161 . MTH 161 must be successfully completed by the end of the first spring semester. A complete statement of the above policies is outlined in the Radiation Oncology Student Handbook.