ARCHIVED 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Radiation Therapy
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Radiation Therapy is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology and medicine in the use of radiation to diagnose and treat disease. Radiation Therapy uses high energy X-rays, electron beams or radioactive isotopes as cancer-killing agents. These therapies change the direct physical process of individual cells. The radiation therapist is a highly specialized healthcare professional who is an important part of the healthcare team. The team includes physicians, physicists and nurses. Radiation therapy is one of the most effective treatments today for many cancers and an increasing number of other medical conditions. The radiation therapist delivers highly technical skills to patients requiring specialized care.
North Central College’s degree program in Radiation Therapy prepares students for a career as a Radiation Therapist. The first option is a 3+1 program with Northwestern Medicine School of Radiation Therapy. Students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 14 month program of study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a liberal arts degree in Radiation Therapy. Admission to the final year of the program is based upon successful application to Northwestern Medicine School of Radiation Therapy in the second term of the junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by the faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program is not guaranteed.
Another option is for the student to complete a four-year B.S. or B.A. degree at North Central College in chemistry, biology or biochemistry, and then apply for admission to Northwestern Medicine for a 14 month certificate program in Radiation Therapy.
Students intending to major in Radiation Therapy must meet with the Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator for the most recent information. Prerequisite courses and other requirements are subject to change.
Degrees offered: B.A. and B.S.
ProgramsMajor
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