Radiation Therapy
Associate in Science - Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to use radiation to assist in treating cancer and other medical conditions. The responsibilities of a radiation therapist can include performing radiation safety and quality control procedures; preparing immobilization devices; operating equipment; positioning patients for procedures; providing basic nursing and medical care; and preparing data for physician interpretation. Radiation therapy departments are located mainly in hospitals. Employment opportunities also exist in free-standing therapy clinics, commercial sales, education, and management. Refer to the professional websites listed at the bottom of this page for further career information.
Radiation Therapy Program Policies, Procedures and Information
Clinical Sites:
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IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie
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IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis
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IU Health West Hospital, Avon
If you are interested in this program, please download and read Radiation Therapy Program Policies, Procedures, and Information (PDF).
Program Overview
This associate degree program prepares students for careers in Radiation Therapy. The Ball State University Radiation Therapy program is offered in cooperation with IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. The program is divided into two phases and usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The first, or preclinical, phase of the program takes place on the Ball State University campus and includes course work in the sciences and the University Core Curriculum program. The second, or clinical, phase of the program is offered in Indianapolis at IU Health Methodist Hospital with rotations in other clinical education sites.
Program Admission and Application
Students may enter the preclinical phase of this program (28 semester hours) upon admission to the University; however, admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance to the clinical phase of the program, which is a competitive process. Only the top-scoring applicants will be offered a spot in the clinical phase of the program. Students may apply for admission to the clinical portion of the program when the following requirements are met:
- Must be a current Ball State student.
- Any student must have been officially admitted by December 1 of the year immediately prior to the clinical phase of the program.
- All transfer hours must be evaluated and appear on the BSU Student DegreeWorks record and official BSU transcript.
- Must meet with Primary Departmental Advisor. Call 765-285-5961 or go to the Department of Physiology & Health Science in the Cooper Science Building, CL325 to schedule an appointment. Required even if a Freshman Advisor has been seen.
- 14 hours of required courses are successfully earned.
- 3 of 5 required math/science courses successfully earned.
- "C" or better in required math/science courses.
- 2.5 overall GPA in only required preclinical courses.
- Must have read the most current Radiography Program Policies, Procedures, and Information and most current Check Sheet. If applying to the clinical phase of the program, it is assumed that this information has been read, and student will be held accountable for adhering to its content.
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You must obtain a current application and instructions from the Department of Physiology & Health Science office in CL325. Complete the application, follow the instructions, and attach the required documentation. All information must be received in the Department of Physiology & Health Science office (CL 325) no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (Eastern Standard Time) on the first business day of February each year. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Due to the limited number of clinical phase spaces available, all students who meet minimum admission requirements may not be admitted to the clinical phase.
Selection
Applicants will be ranked using the following formula: (GPA of required preclinical courses x 8) + (GPA of required preclinical math/science courses x 17).
Radiation Therapy Check Sheet
Use the Radiation Therapy Check Sheet (PDF), along with your BSU Student DegreeWorks record, to keep track of your progress.
Program Accreditation
Ball State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Upon graduation, students receive the Associate in Science Degree in Radiation Therapy. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Individuals who pass the examination are known as registered technologists, RT(T).
Disclosure
Full disclosure of any ticket, citation, summons, arrest, charges or convictions for a misdemeanor or felony is required on the application to the clinical portion of the program. Individuals who have been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony must preapply to the ARRT. Written preapproval to take the examination must be attached to the program application by the application deadline. Contact the Program Director for preapproval information well in advance of the program application deadline. Written preapproval may take up to 12 weeks to complete.
For more information on the radiologic sciences, please go to the following:
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society for Radiation Oncology
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Program Director, Dan Strahan, BS, RT(T)
For more information about Ball State's Allied Health Programs contact Denise Seabert.