In addition to a basic knowledge of science and mathematics, radiation therapy requires emotionally mature individuals who wish to take an active part in the management of patients with malignant disease.

At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences, the Program in Radiation Therapy is designed to prepare students for the technical, theoretical, and psychological aspects of this career.

During their education students acquire the professional skills necessary to plan, deliver and record a prescribed course of radiation therapy. They learn the optimal use of complex therapy equipment and treatment accessories.

Students also gain the theoretical knowledge and skills to monitor patients undergoing treatment, as well as an understanding of the compassionate and skilled care cancer patients require.

Description of the Radiation Therapy Program

The Program in Radiation Therapy is sponsored by M. D. Anderson's School of Health Sciences and is supported by the Division of Radiation Oncology.

Students are educated in our state-of-the-art radiation oncology center, where more than 4,000 new patients are treated each year.

Mission

To provide the highest quality of education to radiation therapy students through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences that prepare the student to deliver superior patient care and treatment in all aspects of radiation therapy. We shall provide the radiation oncology community with graduates who are patient care focused, critical thinkers and engaged in lifelong learning.

Vision

We shall be the premier educational program in radiation therapy by providing innovative curricular, clinical and continuing education services to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the state of Texas and the world.

Goals

Fulfillment of the program’s mission is assessed by the degree to which the program achieves the following goals:

1.0 Students will develop a patient care focus by providing superior care to the oncologic patient.

2.0 Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

3.0 Students will adopt a philosophy of lifelong learning through continuing education and professional involvement.

Curriculum

Didactic classes include:

• Orientation to Radiation Oncology
• Topographic Anatomy
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Aspects of Radiation Therapy
• Radiation Therapy Physics
• Basic Dosimetry and Treatment Planning
• Clinical Radiation Oncology
• Oncology Nursing and Patient Care
• Oncology Pathology
• Directed Study/Research Paper
• Aspects of Practical Clinical Physics
• Quality Management in Radiation Therapy
• Simulation Techniques
• Radiation Biology
• Registry Review
• Radiation Safety and Protection
• Technical Radiation Oncology

Students also attend many of the numerous medical conferences offered at M. D. Anderson.

Please see the Health Sciences Student Catalog for a review of the objectives of the Program in Radiation Therapy. In addition, the Catalog contains more information about curriculum and course descriptions.

Clinical Experience

The Program in Radiation Therapy provides clinical education at the following campuses:

• The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
• The University of Texas Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Center, via distance learning (real time audiovideo conferencing)
• Scott & White Memorial Hospital Radiation Oncology, via distance learning (real time audiovideo conferencing)

The well-balanced clinical experience, planned for each student, includes:

• Therapeutic treatment
• Treatment planning and dosimetry
• Patient care and management
• Simulation
• Quality assurance

The Radiation Therapy Faculty Team

Many members of the Division of Radiation Oncology teach in various capacities.

Instructors for the Program in Radiation Therapy include:

• Registered radiation therapists
• Board certified radiation oncologists
• Physicists
• Radiation biologists
• Resident physicians
• Certified medical dosimetrists
• Registered nurses

In addition, professionals from throughout the institution participate in the didactic program.

Administrators

The Program in Radiation Therapy is administered by:

Roster of Faculty

A current roster of Radiation Therapy faculty is published in the Health Sciences Student Catalog.

Admission & Application

Resources

Radiation Therapy

Visit the sites below for more information about a career in radiation therapy.

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) (http://www.asrt.org/)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (http://www.arrt.org/web/)
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) (http://www.jrcert.org/)

Houston

Visit the sites below for more information about the Houston area.

• City of Houston (http://www.cityofhouston.gov/)
• Welcome to Houston (http://www.houston-guide.com/)
• About Houston (http://www.uh.edu/houston/)
• Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/)

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