A radiation therapist plays an important role in providing treatment for cancer patients.
Radiation therapy saves the lives of many cancer patients. Used along with chemotherapy and surgery, this treatment uses x-rays to shrink or remove cancer cells. For those in South Carolina hoping to gain employment in this medical field, there are several schools offering higher education opportunities. With radiation therapy jobs expected to increase by 27 percent through 2018, continuing education in this field is a must, recommends the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Radiation Therapy vs. Radiologic Technology
According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), 102 schools in the United States offer higher education in the specific field of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, none of these schools are located in South Carolina. However, several schools in the state offer an associate in applied science (AAS) in radiologic technology. Although these programs provide a broad overview of the radiology field, you can receive certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the specific field of radiation therapy upon completion. The following technical colleges are recommended by the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Aiken Technical College
This school's major in radiological technology provides the education necessary for students to pass the ARRT certification. The curriculum includes courses such as radiographic imaging, computed tomography and radiology patient care along with core classes in physics and biology. Graduation requires successful completion of three internships in clinical settings performing gradually more advanced radiology duties.
Aiken Technical College, 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC (803) 593-9231
Greenville Technical College
This college divides its radiologic technology program into two phases. Phase 1 centers around core classes, including medical terminology, biology, public speaking and physics. Classes in this phase can be completed on part-time or full-time and through distance learning if desired. Phase 2 focuses on five semesters of classes tailored specifically to radiologic techniques and skills. Phase 2 must be completed on campus.
Greenville Technical College, 506 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC (864) 250-8195
Spartanburg Community College
This college's AAS program in Radiologic Technology provides hands-on learning through formal classroom instruction, supervised lab simulations, and practice in clinical settings. Course offerings include not only those specific to a career in radiology but in interpersonal skills as well. Students select classes ranging from public speaking and intermediate algebra to radiographic anatomy and completion of an advanced imaging practicum. This school prepares all students to sit for and pass the ARRT exam.
Spartanburg Community College, 800 Brisack Road, Spartanburg, SC (864) 592-4600
York Technical College
York Tech's program helps students learn the techniques associated with a career in radiology along with the potential hazards. Throughout this two-year program, students learn through classroom instruction as well as in lab and hospital settings. Objectives of this program are to teach students to safely produce high-quality diagnostic images and to effectively assist physicians in making sound diagnosis and treatment decisions. Accredited by ARRT, this school's curriculum prepares students for the certification exam.
York Technical College, 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC (803) 327-8000
Certification
In addition to a degree in radiologic technology, most jobs will require aspiring radiation therapists to be certified specifically in the area of radiation therapy. Currently, 33 states recognize the certification exams provided by the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The certification exam in radiation therapy focuses on five major content areas: radiation protection and quality assurance, clinical concepts in radiation oncology, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and patient care and education. Because a degree in radiologic technology only provides a general overview of this field, you may need to do some extra studying. You can receive a specific content breakdown of the radiation therapy certificate by contacting ARRT. South Carolina considers scores on this exam when you apply for your state medical license.
Tags: Technical College, Radiologic Technologists, South Carolina, along with, American Registry
