Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to treat diseases, primarily cancer. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Using highly specialized computerized equipment, the radiation is targeted to abnormal cells while minimizing the side effects.
Radiation therapists are responsible for delivering, monitoring and documenting targeted doses of radiation as prescribed to their patients. Radiation therapists are also involved in assessing the physical and emotional needs of the patients and making appropriate referrals. They typically see each of their patients five days a week throughout a four- to seven-week treatment course.
MCC offers a two-year, five-semester associate degree program in Radiologic Science with a Radiation Therapy option that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and is designed to prepare individuals for employment as a radiation therapist. The coursework provides the didactic and clinical education necessary to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam. Once students have received certification from the ARRT and successfully completed the national exam, they will be eligible to work in any state. Many states require licensure prior to employment. Licensure information for each state can be accessed by contacting the state’s department of labor.
Find out about a career in Radiation Therapy
Graduation Criteria
All program students must complete the following to receive an associate degree from the program. See the student handbook for complete details.
- Complete all didactic curricula with a final grade of C or better.
- Complete all clinical curricula with a final grade of C or better.
- Complete all competency exams with a final grade of 100%.
- Maintain all hospital and program standards as outlined in the program handbook.
Program Effectiveness Data
The new MCC Radiation Therapy Program was transferred from Hartford Hospital, effective August 31, 2014.
| Class of | ARRT Exam Pass Rate (first attempt) |
Job Placement Rate within 12 Months of Actively Seeking Employment | Annual Program Completion Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total# | % Pass | # Employed Total # Graduates |
% Employed | # Completed # Started |
% Completed | |
| 2016 | N=8 | 100 | 8/8 | 100 | 8/8 | 100 |
| 2017 | N=6 | 100 | 5/5 | 100 | 6/8 | 75 |
| 2018 | N=3 | 100 | 3/3 | 100 | 3/5 | 60 |
| 2019 | ||||||
| 2020 | ||||||
| 5-Year Average | ||||||
Application to the Program
In addition to completing the general MCC Admission Application, students who are interested in pursuing a health career in radiation therapy are required to attend an information session and submit a completed Radiation-Therapy-Application that includes an essay. For further information and to obtain an application, visit www.manchestercc.edu/health or contact the Health Careers Division Office (LRC A237) at 860-512-2704.
Admission Process
The following is required for each admission:
Step 1: Attend a Health Careers Information Session.
Step 2: Complete the general Manchester Community College Admission Application
Return completed application to the Admissions office or apply online at http://my.commnet.edu
Step 3: Complete the Radiation Therapy Application with essay.
Return completed application to:
Health Careers Department, M.S. #17
Manchester Community College
Manchester, CT 06045-1046
Step 4: Send official transcripts.
Send all official college transcripts including those from Fall 2014 to the Health Careers Department. (see above)
Step 5: Once prerequisites are met and applications are submitted, students will participate in a clinical shadow to be scheduled by the program.
Step 6: Interview with program staff.
Step 7: Final acceptance is pending successful completion of clinical requirements.
These requirements also include criminal background checks with fingerprinting, immunization documentation for hepatitis B vaccine, annual flu shots and TB testing, proof of insurance coverage, and results of a physical exam. Some clinical sites may require substance abuse screening. For a complete listing of clinical requirements, please contact the program coordinator.
Contact Information
Nora Uricchio, M.Ed., R.T. (R)(T)
Program Coordinator
Radiologic Sciences: Radiation Therapy Program
860-512-2730