2015-2016 Catalog [Aug. 2015-Aug. 2016] [Archived Catalog]
Radiation Therapy (2163) (A.S.)
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Associate in Science
This is a Limited Access program.
Mission Statement
The mission for the Associate in Science in Radiation Therapy degree is to offer high quality education and to train students to deliver prescribed doses of radiation to individuals with malignant or benign disease in an affordable method. This limited access program is based on the recommended core curriculum established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and enhances the educational experience and employment potential for students in the hospital or free standing clinic. The program emphasizes the art and science of treatment delivery to individuals to restore, improve, and enhance performance; diminish or eradicate pathology; and promote and maintain health.
The Program
This program is designed for individuals who wish to become certified in radiation therapy. Upon completion of this two-year degree program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board examination in radiation therapy. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level practitioners. Students are strongly advised to complete as many of the general education courses as possible before applying for the program. A minimum grade of “C” of better must be achieved in all professional core courses in order to continue in the program.
One technical certificate is available within this degree program: Radiation Therapy Specialist (6153) (T.C.) . Students may pursue the A.S. degree and earn a technical certificate while completing the requirements for the degree, or pursue a certificate to develop or upgrade their skills in a particular field. Contact an advisor or counselor to determine the career education path that is best for you.
The Career
The radiation therapist assists in the treatment of cancer patients. Working as part of a health care team, supervised by a radiation oncologist, the radiation therapist positions the patient for treatment, performs the necessary mathematical calculations to determine the radiation dosage and delivers the radiation treatments utilizing highly sophisticated equipment.
The demand for skilled, registered radiation therapists is nationwide and expected to increase in the future. With advanced training/education, radiation therapists also have opportunities to pursue careers in dosimetry, medical physics, teaching and administration.
Certification and Licensing
Eligibility requirements for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy and for the primary pathway to MRI and Sonography will - effective January 1, 2015 - call for candidates to have earned an Associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by ARRT.
ARRT believes that general education courses required for an academic degree will provide a firm foundation to support the evolving role of the technologist and the lifelong learning necessitated by the increasing rate of technological change. Quantitative and communication skills and understanding of human behavior that are acquired through general education are believed by ARRT to have value in continuing to shape professionalism and advancement of a Registered Technologist’s role in healthcare.
The degree will not need to be in radiologic sciences, and it can be earned before entering the educational program or after graduation from the program. The degree requirement will apply to graduates on or after January 1, 2015. It must be granted by an institution accredited by a mechanism recognized by ARRT. A list of accrediting agencies currently recognized is available here. Individuals who complete a recognized non-degree granting program prior to that date will not be subject to the degree requirement.
Application Procedure
To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Radiation Therapy program, students must:
- Submit a Florida State College at Jacksonville application.
- Submit a completed Radiation Therapy program application.
- Have completed the prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
- Submit official high school and college transcripts.
Cost
For details on fees, books, uniforms and materials see the program brochure .
Need More Information? Contact:
Pamela Dotson, (904) 766-6643 or pdotson@fscj.edu
More Information Online:

Recommended Roadmap for this Program
Radiation Therapy Program Brochure
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
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