Technical Standards for Radiation Therapists
- Distinguish whether gantry coincides with parameters established by the treatment plan.
- Must be able to visualize numerical values projected by the range finder.
- Perform necessary procedures that may involve placing needles, catheters or other localization devices to delineate a patient's anatomical structures.
- Read protocol and radiation therapy charts in the department.
- Perform data entry tasks using digital and computer terminals.
- Near-visual acuity and depth perception to examine digitally reproduced radiographs to ensure duplication of simulation DRRs, and to take patient vital signs using medical devices (thermometer, sphygmomanometer, etc.).
- Must be able to read units on a syringe.
- Must be able to work in dimly lit areas such as treatment vaults and CT/PET/MRI simulation suites.
- Hearing must be sufficient to communicate with others.
- Distinguish phonetic sounds either mechanically transmitted or from conversation to perform treatment and simulation tasks in light-controlled areas.
- Hear and retain pertinent information to relay instructions.
- Hear and respond to patient questions and clinical history.
- Speak clearly and loudly enough to be understood by someone in the radiation oncology department or on the telephone.
- Good communication skills are necessary to maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients and peers.
- Grasp and manipulate small objects required to perform job functions.
- Perceive attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the fingertips.
- Operate a variety of therapeutic and CT equipment.
- Arms and hands or functional artificial limbs are essential to perform radiation procedures and transfer patients.
- Legs and feet or functional artificial limbs are essential to maintain balance, accomplish required duties and transport patients.
- Walk or stand for about 80% of a typical workday.
- Maneuver through congested area(s) or unit(s) to perform treatment and simulation procedures and transport patients.
- Raise arm(s) while maintaining balance when positioning a patient, reaching over table and inserting custom treatment devices.
- Maneuverability in stairways, hallways, control rooms, hot labs, block rooms and inclines.
- Push/pull medical equipment, lift treatment devices and accessories; transfer patients to and from units.
- Weight must allow free movement within a small control booth. The worker must also move quickly and work in confined spaces during patient emergencies.
- Complete tasks or job functions within deadlines.
- Complete required tasks and functions under stressful conditions.
- Track and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Perform independently with minimal supervision.
- Interact appropriately with diverse personalities.
Graduation and Certification Examination Requirements
Graduation Clearance
All students must show CLEARANCE before the Program Director can process the required forms for the ARRT REGISTRY EXAM. This will involve completing all the necessary competencies and all other academic requirements. A few months before the program ends, the registrar will notify you that the students must apply for graduation. They must complete this task within the time window provided. During the first week of August of the graduation year, once the program term concludes, the radiation oncology department will host a pinning ceremony, where each student will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievement.
ARRT Examination Clearance
Click here to learn more about ARRT Examination Clearance.
Each graduate of a radiation therapy certificate program must complete the clearance procedure defined by the Radiologic Technology Program.
This clearance includes:
- Fulfillment of degree requirements for the Certificate in Radiation Therapy.
- A completed degree audit must be on file with the Program.
- Documentation by clinical faculty verifying completion of all clinical requirements, including the competency program; return of university and clinic identification badges, personal dosimeters with holders and competency and log books. Additionally, graduation students must review and sign all dosimetry reports before approval for the ARRT exam.
- Clearance from the Duke Business Office, with no outstanding bills.
- Clearance from the Duke Library (no overdue books).
- Participation in the Pinning Ceremony.
Clinical Obligations
Background checks, drug screening, travel to geographically dispersed clinical settings, clinical assignments and documentation of professional liability will all be discussed during the personal interview. These are all relevant requirements for completing a clinical course.
Transfer Credit
As a one-year certificate program, our program does not accept transfer students from other radiation therapy programs. If an enrolled Duke therapy student requests to transfer to another radiation therapy certificate program (that may accept transfer students), it is the student's responsibility to ascertain which courses would be transferable to the new program.