Radiation Therapy

Overview

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  • Radiation Therapist

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The Radiation Therapy program utilizes didactic, laboratory, and clinical education to prepare students to work as Radiation Therapists in cancer treatment centers and hospitals. Radiation Therapists work under the direction of a radiation oncologist to treat patients with malignant diseases using ionizing radiation. Radiation therapists practice appropriate patient care, apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills, administer treatment protocols, and maintain patient records. The program uses a combination of technical and general education courses to emphasize decision-making and critical thinking skills based upon a solid clinical foundation. Students will spend two semesters in a radiation therapy facility completing their clinical experience. This requires students to relocate at their own expense to the community where the assigned facility is located. Students will also complete online courses during their clinical semesters.

The program consists of three consecutive semesters (46.5 credit hours); the first semester is completed at the Mitchell Tech campus and the second and third semesters are completed at clinical sites. Students are also required to meet Mitchell Tech’s general education requirements, as well as prerequisite courses such as physiology, anatomy, physics, and college algebra.

In addition to the prerequisite courses, the only students accepted into the program must be ARRT registered or registry-eligible radiographers. Mitchell Tech’s registrar works with the admissions counselor and the program director to evaluate transcripts to ensure that enrolling students meet the prerequisite requirements. Contact the Admissions Office for information about the annual application deadline.

Check out the Program Student Handbook HERE.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

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Semesters
First Semester
RTH200Introduction to Radiation Therapy2 credits
RTH201Nursing and Patient Care2 credits
RTH202Radiation Therapy Physics (online)4 credits
RTH205Clinical Radiation Oncology3 credits
RTH206Simulation and Medical Imaging3 credits
RTH220Cross-Sectional Anatomy & Pathology (online)4 credits
HS100Basic Life Support for Health Care0.5 credits
Total Semester Hours18.5 credits
Second Semester
RTH207Radiation Biology (online)1 credits
RTH209Radiation Therapy Topics (online)2 credits
RTH210Clinical Practicum I10 credits
RTH212Registry Review I (online)2 credits
Total Semester Hours15 credits
Third Semester
RTH211Modern Radiation Therapy/Research (online)3 credits
RTH213Clinical Practicum II8 credits
RTH214Registry Review II (online)2 credits
Total Semester Hours13 credits
In addition to the technical courses required in the program, the student seeking an AAS degree must also complete:
Communications Elective3 credits
Behavioral Science Elective3 credits
Social Science Elective3 credits
Math Elective3 credits
General Education Elective3 credits

Requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants to the program must be an ARRT registered Radiologic Technologist or registry eligible.  Contact the Admissions Office for information about the annual application deadline.

  • For more information on applying for the Radiation Therapy program, click here.
  • All qualified applicants who meet admissions criteria will be accepted to the program on a first come, first serve basis.
  • See the Program Director or Registrar for a transcript evaluation.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete all technical courses with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in order to become registry-eligible.  Students who do not achieve a C (2.0) grade will be prevented from enrolling in the subsequent semester due to prerequisite requirements.

DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Some additional requirements (including, but not limited to, drug screening and immunizations) may have to be met before entrance to certain clinical sites. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The student must complete all technical courses with a minimum grade of “C” in order to graduate and be Registry eligible.  Students who do not complete a course with a “C” minimum will be prevented from enrolling in the subsequent semester due to pre-requisite requirements.  Students must meet all of MTC’s general education requirements in order to receive an AAS degree.

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

NEXT STEPS FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS

Once you have been formally accepted into the Radiation Therapy program, you will be required to perform several tasks:

  • Submission of your immunization record with documentation of all required immunizations (at your expense)
  • Complete a criminal background check (at your expense)
  • Undergo a student physical (at your expense)
  • Complete required documents provided to you by program director

LICENSURE DISCLOSURE

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for the ARRT certification and registration in Radiation Therapy (T). This ARRT certification is recognized in 49 states and will allow graduates to pursue state licensure if required in their state.

Licensure is not required in the following states: Alabama, District of Columbia, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Dakota.

Mitchell Technical College has determined that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Mitchell Technical College has made no determination that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mitchell Technical College encourages prospective students to visit the ARRT website (https://www.arrt.org/about-the-profession/state-licensing) for further information regarding state licensure. You may also contact Director of Admissions Heather Kulm (605.995.7342) for questions regarding licensure.

Outcomes

Goals & Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate competency in the clinical setting.
  • Students demonstrate competency in simulation.
  • Students demonstrate competency in treatment delivery.
  • Students demonstrate principles of radiation protection.
Goal 2: Students will think critically.
  • Students demonstrate good judgment and decision-making.
  • Students recognize discrepancies and develop solutions to clinical situations.
Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively.
  • Students demonstrate effective written communication skills.
  • Students demonstrate effective oral communication skills
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professional attitudes, behaviors, growth and ethics.
  • Students conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.
  • Students work effectively with supervisory personnel.
Goal 5: The graduates will become registered radiation therapists employed in their field.
  • Graduates will pass the ARRT exam.
  • Graduates will perform as entry level therapists.
  • Graduates seeking employment will find employment within 12 months of graduation.
  • Students will complete the program.

Mission

The mission of Mitchell Technical College is to provide skills for success in technical careers. It is the mission of the Mitchell Tech Radiation Therapy program to develop and educate competent, compassionate, and professional entry-level radiation therapists through a strong commitment to didactic, clinical and professional education.

Check out our most recent Program Effectiveness Data.

Assessment Plan

Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Accreditation

The Mitchell Tech Radiation Therapy program, offered for the AAS degree, is accredited by:​

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300; Fax: (312) 704-5304
[email protected]


Current length of accreditation: 8 years
Next scheduled review:  2031

Faculty

Paula Freeman

Program Director / Instructor

Contact

Cost

$ 4000
Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated)$1,112

Scholarships

$1000

4 AVAIL.

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills

$1000

1 AVAIL.

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

$1000

2 AVAIL.

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

Charlene Bainbridge

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power - Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship

$500

2 AVAIL.

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

John and Diane Weber Family and Friends

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber, wife of former Culinary Academy of South Dakota instructor and Mitchell Tech alum, John Weber. Diane's early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane's desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. While attending Mitchell Tech she met John, completed her education, and then spent several years working as a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Full time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change GPA of 3.0 or higher Program instructor recommendation Documented employment of 10 hours or more per week Completion of current online scholarship application during the open application period time frame

$500

1 AVAIL.

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Todd Family

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan's varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester

$1000

1 AVAIL.

BPO Elks #1059 Endowed Scholarship

BPO Elks #1059

The Endowment was established in 2010 with the first scholarship provided in the 2011/12 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and have attended school in the Mitchell area Applicant must be involved with student leadership Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time at Mitchell Technical College and be within two years of MTC graduation Applicant must complete the MTC online application form during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.6 Applicant must demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA Scholarship award may be retained for 4 semesters or put on hold for military service Applicant must permit selection committee to solicit oral or written recommendation from instructor or administrator Applicant must live within 50 miles of Mitchell

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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