Radiation Therapy

Educational programs in radiation therapy are located on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Indiana University Northwest (Gary) campuses.

Description of the Profession Radiation therapy involves the use of different forms of ionizing radiation for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. Radiation therapists administer the prescribed dose of ionizing radiation to specific sites of the patient’s body as directed by the physician. They operate varied types of equipment, including high energy linear accelerators, and work with radioactive materials. In addition, radiation therapists observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy, observe the first signs of any complication, and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted.

Graduates of the Program The Radiation Therapy Program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the scope of practice standards for radiation therapy. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the radiation therapy certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Having successfully passed this exam, certificate holders are classified as Registered Radiation Therapists, R.T.(T)(ARRT).