Offering Campus
Argosy University, Twin Cities
Program Overview
Argosy University offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiation Therapy degree program. The mission of the program is to provide the medical community with entry-level radiation therapists by providing them with knowledge and technical skills, a broad-based general education, and an understanding of, and compassion for, cancer patients and their families. The duties of radiation therapist include preparing the patient and equipment for the delivery of radiation treatment, keeping accurate and detailed records of the treatment, observing radiation safety and protection procedures, and involvement in treatment planning process. Patient support and care is a critical aspect of a therapist’s duties.
Track I
Students with an earned secondary degree or equivalent (GED) may apply to Track I of the AS in Radiation Therapy degree program. The Track I program of study requires the satisfactory completion of 78 credit hours that includes 30 credit hours of general education, 36 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 12 credit hours of clinical training. Full-time students following the recommended Track I course sequence can complete the program in as little as 28 months. The maximum allowable time frame to complete the Track I curriculum based upon full-time status is 42 months.
Track II
Students with an earned Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology degree may apply to Track II of the AS in Radiation Therapy degree program. The Track II program of study requires the satisfactory completion of 56 credit hours of study that includes 12 credit hours of general education, 32 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 12 credit hours of clinical training. Full-time students following the Track II program requirements can complete the degree requirements in as little as 20 months. Track II students should meet with an advisor to discuss the recommended course sequence. The maximum allowable time frame to complete the Track II curriculum based upon full-time status is 30 months.
In addition to the stated credit hour requirements, students enrolled in the AS in Radiation Therapy degree program — Track II are required to have successfully completed a college-level algebra course. These requirements may be satisfied through transfer credit hours. Otherwise, students are required to take MAT107 - College Algebra during the first semester of enrollment and earn a grade of “C-” or better.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Outcome One
Graduates of the Argosy University AS in Radiation Therapy degree program will possess the knowledge and skills to competently and safely perform the essential entry-level radiation therapy procedures and patient care.
1.1 Perform recommended radiation therapy clinical competencies in treatment and simulation procedures.
1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of symptoms, diagnostic procedures, pathology, staging, grading, treatment options and treatment planning for each type of cancer
1.3 Demonstrate radiation production and the effects on human cells and safely apply it to simulation and treatment procedures.
Program Outcome Two
Graduates of the Argosy University Radiation Therapy program will have developed skills in critical thinking and adaptability to non routine situations.
2.1 Demonstrate critical thinking by applying didactic concepts to the clinical environment while reviewing Radiation Therapy prescriptions and demonstrating adaptability to non-routine procedures.
2.2 Identify radiographic anatomy.
Program Outcome Three
Graduates will have developed skills for effective communication.
3.1 Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
3.2 Use effective oral communication skills.
Program Outcome Four
Graduates of the Argosy University Radiation Therapy program will demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness, professionalism, and the ability to provide quality patient care to a diverse population.
4.1 Demonstrate collaboration with peers.
4.2 Demonstrate ethical, quality patient care.
Registry Exams
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) seeks to ensure high quality patient care in radiation therapy. ARRT tests and certifies therapists and administers continuing education and ethics requirements for their annual registration. Certification is the process of initially recognizing individuals who have satisfied certain standards within a profession. A person is certified by ARRT after completing educational preparation standards, complying with ethics standards, and passing a certification exam. The AS in Radiation Therapy degree program is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to become a certified Radiation Therapist R.T.(T). Completion of the program requirements does not guarantee passage of the ARRT certification exam. Requirements for taking and passing certification exams are subject to change without notice to Argosy University. The most current information regarding the ARRT certification exam can be found at: http://www.arrt.org/
Admission Requirements
Because the field of Radiation Therapy is competitive, Argosy University, Twin Cities has established a set of objective criteria to identify applicants for admissions acceptance. Applications will be evaluated by the Argosy University, Twin Cities Admissions Committee. Final decisions regarding an applicant’s status, eligibility to make new application, and acceptance into the program are made by the Argosy University Admissions Committee based on a composite of student’s academic performance in their prerequisite courses. Completion of the prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission into the Radiation Therapy Program.
Track I
Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or GED and meet one of the following conditions:
- ACT Composite score of 18 or above, or
- Combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 870, or
- Passing score on Argosy University entrance exam, or
- Minimum High School or College GPA as follows:
- For students with 12 or fewer college credit hours, cumulative High School GPA of 2.0 or above
- For students with 13 or more college credit hours, cumulative College GPA of 2.0 or above
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
Track II
- An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a radiologic technology from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Health Sciences, or an appropriately certified foreign institution
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
- Applicant must have completed, at minimum, the 15 required prerequisite credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. The prerequisite courses, in addition to any required developmental coursework, include:
- Human Anatomy
- General Psychology
- College Algebra
- Medical Terminology
- English Composition
- Introduction to Radiation Therapy
Students wishing to complete their prerequisite coursework at Argosy University, Twin Cities will be enrolled into the Bachelors of Liberal Arts program during the completion of the prerequisite coursework. Upon admission to the Radiation Therapy program, or other Health Sciences program of instruction, students will be transferred to the College of Health Sciences.
A minimum score on a Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy ”.
The Radiation Therapy program admits two classes of students per year, beginning in the Spring A and Summer A sessions. Applications for admission to the program must be completed no later than the end of the term preceding the desired session, i.e. end of Fall for Spring admission. Students interested in the Radiation Therapy program will be required to attend a Health Sciences Selection Day event prior to application to the program.
Applicants accepted into the AAS in Radiation Therapy degree program are required to remit a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 by the date stipulated on the written notification to reserve a place in the entering class. This deposit will be applied towards the tuition of the student’s first semester. An applicant, if rejected, can reapply by following the reapplication policy.
An admissions representative will help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:
- Student Information Form
- Completed Application for Admission Form
- Application fee (Non-refundable, except in Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Proof of cumulative GPA and completion of required prerequisite programs
- ACT or SAT or Argosy University Entrance Exam score and pre-approved English language proficiency exam score (if applicable)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
- Clinical Training Agreement
- Technical Standards Form
- Health forms
Allied health professionals perform a wide range of physical tasks and assignments, and they must accept certain risks that are inherent in health care delivery. In applying for admission to Argosy University, prospective students are given information regarding these tasks, and applicants agree that they are capable of and willing to perform these tasks and assume these risks.
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of all requirements in the program of study
- Successful completion of all program specific coursework with a grade of “C-” or better
- Successful completion of General Education coursework with a grade of “C-” or better
- Successful completion of all required clinical hours (1440 hours), clinical competencies, monthly clinical performance evaluations, and Portfolio Project with a “C-” or better
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to the campus administration
- Students must also be current on all financial obligations in order to receive official final transcripts
Program Requirements
