Radiation Therapy | Radiation Sciences Programs
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Radiation Therapy

Radiation TherapyCareer Information

The radiation therapist functions as a member of the team of physician (Radiation Oncologist), physicist, dosimetrist, and nurse to provide treatment using ionizing radiation sources for patients with malignant and some benign diseases. The radiation therapist is responsible for the daily delivery of the prescribed treatment according to the treatment plan prepared by the physician in consultation with the medical physicist. The therapist works with the oncology nurse in the daily assessment of the patient's status and needs during their course of therapy.

Radiation therapists are employed in radiation therapy facilities located in hospitals and freestanding centers. Individuals who have the necessary qualifications may be employed in educational programs sponsored by hospitals, colleges, or other qualified centers. Therapists can function as dosimetrists with additional education or experience. A limited number of positions for certified therapist are available in research facilities of various types.

Program Information

This two-year program is selective and competitive; acceptance is not guaranteed. Students must satisfy all UI admission requirements, complete all prerequisites, and be accepted into the Radiation Therapy professional program following an application and selection process.

Radiation Therapy

The radiation therapy professional program teaches theory and techniques of radiation therapy technology.  In conjunction with clinical rotations at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics under the close guidance of licensed radiation therapists, students complete coursework in patient care, radiation safety, pathology, medical physics, radiation therapy principles, medical ethics, sectional and vascular anatomy, research methodologies, and CT and MRI courses. Emphasis is placed on competence in areas of oncology treatment planning, treatment delivery, dosimetry, and use of megavoltage radiation-producing equipment to administer treatment.

Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification exam in radiation therapy. Students will have completed the course work but not the clinical component to be eligible to apply for the national certification exam in computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging.

Students typically apply to this two-year program during their sophomore year and begin it in fall of their junior year. Application deadline is January 15.  Eight students are accepted into this track each year.

Radiation Oncology Clinical Internships

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) serves as the main affiliate clinical site of the Program.  The department uses state-of-the-art imaging techniques and equipment to accurately deliver radiation therapy treatment. Accepted students have clinical rotations at UIHC’s main campus (200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242), Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center (ICCTC) (3010 Northgate Dr, Iowa City, IA 52245), Hall-Perrine Cancer Center (HPCC) (701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403), and Nassif Community Cancer Center (NCCC) (202 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52403). Other sites include John Stoddard Cancer Center (JSCC) (1221 Pleasant St, Des Moines, Iowa 50309) and MercyOne (250 Mercy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001). Radiation therapy students are required to meet the immunization and testing requirements of these outside facilities.

Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy Program was awarded 8 years accreditation on June 27th, 2018 by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182; telephone (312) 704-5300, FAX: (312) 704-5304, mail@jrcert.org).


Links of Interest

Admission/Degree Requirements

Transfer Credits

Job Shadowing

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Admitted Candidate Information

Therapy General Catalog

Therapy Program Student Handbook

Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook

Mission, Goals & Student Learning Outcomes

Program Effectiveness Data

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Program Faculty

Jared Stiles

Jared Stiles, MSL RT(R)(T)
Associate of Radiology
Director, Radiation Therapy Education
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Radiation Oncology
200 Hawkins Drive, C235 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
Ph: 319-356-8286
jared-stiles@uiowa.edu

Emily Heithoff Emily L. Heithoff, MHPTT, RT(R)(T)
Clinical Coordinator, Radiation Therapy
Ph: 319-467-9783
emily-heithoff@uiowa.edu