Radiation Therapy Specialist (Program Brochure)

• General Professional Information
• Application and Admission
• Program Course Sequence
• Denial or Required Withdrawal
• Submission of Application
• Estimated Expenses
• Students who are Accepted to the Radiation Therapy Program

General Professional Information

Radiation therapy is a fast growing allied health specialty. The radiation therapist assists in the treatment of patients with cancer. Radiation is directed at the tumor site under strictly controlled conditions in an attempt to cure or palliate the disease. The therapist positions the patient for treatment, performs the necessary calculations to determine the proper radiation dosage and, under the supervision of a physician, delivers the required radiation utilizing highly complex equipment. Therapists work closely with patients, physicians, and coworkers.

Graduates of the Florida State College Radiation Therapy Specialist (6153) (T.C.)  program are eligible to take the nationally recognized American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) examination immediately after graduation. This credential offers the therapist excellent employment opportunities as well as a competitive salary.

Students must have certification in radiography or nuclear medicine to be eligible for this certificate program. Successful students must have a genuine desire to work with people. An aptitude in math and science is helpful, as is a willingness to devote ample time to independent study and homework.

For more information concerning the program, call (904) 766-6689. The Faculty Member can arrange for you to tour the facilities, meet current students, or speak to faculty members or others working in the field.

For further information about the…
 

Application and Admission

Admission is limited to 12 students each year. This limited access program is open to applicants regardless of race, religious affiliation, sex or age. Applicants must meet the Florida State College general admissions eligibility requirements  and be credentialed (ARRT or NMTMB/CNMT) in radiography or nuclear medicine. Applicants are encouraged to meet with a Florida State College counselor to be sure all entrance requirements are met. Application deadline is midnight on September 30 for admission to the program for the following Spring term. Applications may be accepted after the deadline should the class not be filled.

Students must submit evidence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR). The American Heart Associations Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, the American Red Cross’s CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Florida State College at Jacksonville’s HED 0300 Basic Life Support will fulfill this requirement. Students must keep their certification current through the expected date of graduation.

Program Course Sequence

All radiation therapy courses must be taken in sequence or with the permission of the Faculty Member.  Students must achieve a “C” average in all the radiation therapy courses prior to graduation from the program. No radiation therapy course may be repeated more than twice. Any withdrawals or re-enrollments must be approved by the Faculty Member.

Denial or Required Withdrawal

The radiation therapy program reserves the right to deny admission or require withdrawal of any student who, in the judgment of the department, gives evidence of being unable to perform the responsibilities and tasks required of the radiation therapy profession.  Students must be able to demonstrate ability to communicate, ambulate and perform fine motor coordination; have adequate vision and auditory perception.  In accordance with Chapter 486.125 of the Florida Statutes, the radiation therapy program reserves the right to deny or delay admission, or require withdrawal of any student, who in the judgment of the department, gives evidence of “being unable to practice radiation therapy with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals or any other type of material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition.”

Submission of Application

Completed applications must contain the following items. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

• Completed Radiation Therapy Specialist application form (PDF)
• Evidence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
• Completed applicable “Selection Criteria” page
• Transcript from school of Radiologic Technology (if you are a new graduate)
• Copy of registry card showing
  • ARRT I.D. number,
  • registration category, and
  • applicant is “In compliance with CE Requirements” (unless registry scores are pending)

If the class is not full, students may be accepted that have taken the registry and are waiting for their results.  In that case, the student must submit a transcript from their school of Radiologic Technology. If the student fails the ARRT examination, they will be dismissed from the program. They may re-apply once they have become a registered technologist.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep the radiation therapy program informed of any changes in mailing address. Incorrect addresses may delay a candidate’s notification, or cause the candidate to lose his/her seat.

Students who are accepted into the program will be required to submit to a drug screen and a background check in order to participate in the clinical component of the program.

Estimated Expenses 
 

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the College’s District Board of Trustees. Current tuition and fees will be posted at the time of registration.

Students who are Accepted to the Radiation Therapy Program

Students are notified of their acceptance into the program by mail. Students who receive letters of acceptance are given a specified period of time to formally accept the seat. A time line and guidelines for accepting the seat are included with the acceptance letter. If the student does not accept the seat by the deadline, the seat may be offered to another candidate.

Students are required to attend a radiation therapy program orientation session to be held at North Campus prior to the program’s start date. The time, date and location of the session will be provided to the student.

Students must submit a current Student Health Certificate (completed by a physician), Student Health Form (completed by the student) and Hepatitis B Vaccine Statement. Official forms will be sent to the student.

Florida State College’s tuition and fees for the radiation therapy program include limited insurance to cover medical expenses resulting from accidental injuries incurred while participating in designated student activities only. Florida State College and the radiation therapy program do not require, but strongly encourage, students to obtain more comprehensive medical insurance if they are not presently covered under an existing plan. Information on low cost student plans can be obtained from the Student Life and Leadership Development Office at any Florida State College campus.

Questions about any information contained in this package should be addressed to the radiation therapy faculty member at (904) 766-6689.