Curriculum and Academic Calendar
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Curriculum Overview
The Radiation Therapy program’s 14-month competency-based curriculum provides specialized instruction and hands-on clinical experiences that prepare students for excellence in radiation therapy clinical practice. Courses are divided into four semesters and sequenced as outlined below. The first semester is accelerated and provides students with fundamental knowledge of radiation therapy and patient care practices which is contextualized through early clinical experiences. As student progress through the curriculum, they will continue to build knowledge and proficiency through more advanced coursework and broadened clinical training. Academic Calendar 2021 - 2022 Summer Semester (July 6, 2021 – August 27, 2021) *Medical Terminology (pass/fail) Patient Care Medical Imaging Introduction to Radiologic Technology Introduction to Radiation Therapy (pass/fail) Introduction to Clinical Education (pass/fail) Fall Semester (August 30, 2021 – December 23, 2021) Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy I Technical Radiation Therapy I Radiation Safety (Fall/Spring) *Pathology Radiation Therapy Physics I (Fall/Spring) Clinical Practicum I Holiday Break December 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022 Spring Semester (January 3, 2022 – April 22, 2022) Radiation Safety (Fall/Spring) Technical Radiation Therapy II Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy II Radiation Therapy Physics I/II (Spring/Summer) Radiation Biology Quality Assurance and Healthcare Operations Clinical Practicum II Summer Semester (April 25, 2022 – August 18, 2022) Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy III Radiation Therapy Physics II (Spring/Summer) Introduction to Computed Tomography Registry Review Seminar (pass/fail) Clinical Practicum III *Indicates hybrid/blended course Note: Final course sequence is subject to change. Academic Calendar 2022 - 2023 |
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The Radiation Therapy program requires that all students maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout enrollment. A student maintains SAP if their cumulative (overall) and current (most recent term) grade point averages are 2.0 or better. A student must also maintain a minimum average score of 77% in all didactic courses and an 80% in all clinical courses and achieve a final course grade of 77% in all didactic courses and 80% in all clinical courses. Students must also adhere to the clinical competency plan per the course syllabi, maintain satisfactory performance pace (completion of hours required), and comply with all institutional and program policies. Student performance against SAP standards will be monitored in an ongoing manner throughout clinical and didactic activities and a grade for each course will be issued at the end of the term. Program Delivery The Radiation Therapy program utilizes a blended format in that some courses, assessments, and assignments are delivered using an online learning management system. Program Hours This is a full-time program with on-site attendance required at the Chicago campus and other clinical rotation sites. Regular program hours are from 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Students may need to arrive early on certain occasions during Spring semester (January - April) to participate in morning quality assurance procedures. Program activities will not be scheduled on weekends, overnight shifts, or holidays observed by the sponsoring institution, including:
There will be a one-week holiday break from the end of December through early January each year. Students also have a total of 80 hours of personal time off (PTO). The program begins annually in July and ends in August of the following year. Clinical Rotations The primary site for clinical rotations is Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH). Students will also rotate through Rush University Medical Center, which is located less than 5 miles from NMH. There is an optional clinical rotation through Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest and Grayslake Hospitals, which are located approximately 30 and 45 miles from NMH. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical assignments. |
Program Grading Scale (Academic Year 2021-2022)
Didactic Grading Scale Clinical Grading Scale
A+ = 100 – 98% A = 100 – 95%
A = 97.9 – 93% B = 94.9 – 87%
A- = 92.9 – 92% C = 86.9 – 80%
B+ = 91.9 – 90% F = < 80%
B = 89.9 – 87%
B- = 86.9 – 85%
C+ = 84.9 – 83%
C = 82.9 – 77%
F = < 77%
Didactic Grading Scale Clinical Grading Scale
A+ = 100 – 98% A = 100 – 95%
A = 97.9 – 93% B = 94.9 – 87%
A- = 92.9 – 92% C = 86.9 – 80%
B+ = 91.9 – 90% F = < 80%
B = 89.9 – 87%
B- = 86.9 – 85%
C+ = 84.9 – 83%
C = 82.9 – 77%
F = < 77%
