Radiation Therapy Accreditation

Accreditation

St. Kate's radiation therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 704-5300. JRCERT.org

Program Mission

To provide radiation therapy students with the didactic and clinical education necessary to graduate as an entry-level radiation therapist, who can work successfully in the radiation oncology setting.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

GOAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Students will be clinically competent. Students will:
(1.1) Employ proper treatment techniques
(1.2) Accurately perform dose calculations
2. Students will communicate effectively. Students will:
(2.1) Practice written communication skills
(2.2) Demonstrate effective oral communication skills
3. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will:
(3.1) Assess equipment malfunctions or problems
(3.2) Evaluate and adjust treatment parameters for non-routine situations
4. Students will demonstrate professionalism. Students will:
(4.1) Practice professional behaviors
(4.2) Analyze their professional growth and goals

 

Program Effectiveness Data

Note: the St. Catherine Radiation Therapy Program transferred from the University of Minnesota Medical Center in September 2017. St Catherine University graduated its first class in August, 2018.

 

Pass Rate for the National ARRT Exam

YEAR PERCENT PASSING ON FIRST ATTEMPT NUMBER OF STUDENTS
2018 83% 5 of 6 passed on first attempt
2019 90% 9 of 10 passed on first attempt

 

Program Completion Rates

YEAR PERCENT COMPLETED NUMBER OF STUDENTS
2018 100% 6 of 6 students graduated
2019 92% 11 of 12 students graduated

 

Employment Rate (within 12 months of graduation) 

YEAR PERCENT EMPLOYED NUMBER OF STUDENTS
2018 83% 5 of 6 employed within a year
2019 90% 9 of 10 employed within a year

Technical Standards/Essential Requirements

The School of Radiation Therapy accepts students who are highly qualified for the radiation therapy program. To be considered for this program you should exhibit strong qualifications for the radiation therapy profession. Applicants to the program must possess the following general qualities:

  • Physical and mental stamina
  • Flexibility and adaptability, good sound judgment
  • Excellent critical thinking skills
  • Emotional stability
  • High level of professionalism and maturity
  • Personal responsibility
  • Ability to communicate, in English, effectively and appropriately, orally and in writing with patients, staff and others.

In addition, radiation therapy students must be able to perform the following as part of the regular duties:

  • Use computers and keyboards to input data
  • Push, pull, bend, stoop and squat routinely
  • Move quickly throughout the clinical site
  • Lift 30 pounds over head
  • Assist in lifting transferring and moving patients and equipment
  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Stand on their feet for more than 80 percent of the time
  • Distinguish colors and shades of gray
  • Visually align patients and equipment while in dim lighting
  • Hear and identify various background sounds
  • Monitor patients during treatment visually and via audio monitors
  • Demonstrate retention and utilization of clinical information and skills