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School of Radiation Therapy
The NM School of Radiation Therapy prepares students for excellence in radiation therapy by providing clinical and didactic instruction that enables students to build clinical competency and master the knowledge and skills required for clinical practice. 

​The 14-month program begins in July and is limited to six students per year. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students are awarded a certificate of completion in Radiation Therapy and are eligible to take the national certification examination in Radiation Therapy administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

The program's competency-based curriculum instills a commitment to compassion and high-quality care by providing access to the delivery of exemplary healthcare. Students receive hands-on clinical training in Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s world-class facilities using the most advanced technology, including:
  • Varian True Beam linear accelerator with on-board imaging and surface tracking via CRAD 
  • Elekta Axesse and Infinity linear accelerators with on-board imaging, Hexapod, and surface tracking via CRAD 
  • Varian and Elekta based Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) 
  • Frameless, linac-based SRS 
  • Elekta Perfection Gamma Knife 
  • BrainLab/ExacTrac IGRT system 
  • Philips CT Simulators  
  • BSD 500 Hyperthermia Unit 
  • Nucletron High Dose Rate Unit 
  • Pinnacle treatment planning system 
  • MOSAIQ record and verify system 
  • EPIC EMR system 

Our experienced instructional staff includes:
  • Board-certified radiation oncologists
  • Resident physicians
  • ARRT registered radiation therapists
  • Medical physicists
  • Medical dosimetrists
  • Registered nurses
  • Social workers
  • Administrative and support staff

Hospital Mission Statement
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, our sponsor institution, is part of a premier integrated academic health system where the patient comes first. The core values of Northwestern Memorial Hospital are: 
​
  • Patients first: Putting our patients first in all that we do 
  • Integrity: Adhering to an uncompromising code of ethics that emphasizes complete honesty and sincerity 
  • Teamwork: Team success over personal success 
  • Excellence: Continuously striving to be better
​Program Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Radiation Therapy sponsored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital is to provide expert instruction, patient-centered clinical training, and ongoing professional development to the next generation of radiation therapists.

Program Goals
In support of the program's mission statement, the following goals have been developed:

Students/graduates will demonstrate clinical competence.
  • Students/graduates will possess the technical skills required for clinical practice.
  • Students will be able to recognize and advise patients on radiation-induced side effects.
  • Students will be able to design and substantiate a treatment plan.

Students will develop communication skills that result in an effective exchange of information and collaboration. 
  • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
  • Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.

Students/graduates will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical practice.
  • Students will recognize and resolve set-up discrepancies.
  • Students will demonstrate clinical competency for low-volume, high-risk procedures.
  • Graduates will demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills during clinical practice.

Students/graduates will demonstrate high standards of professional practice.
  • ​Students/graduates will adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and judgment.
  • Students/graduates will display professionalism in the clinical environment. 
 
The program will meet the needs of the community by preparing students for excellence in  radiation therapy careers. 
  • Graduates will pass the ARRT national certification examination on the first attempt within six months of graduation.
  • Graduates actively seeking employment in radiation therapy will be employed within 12 months of graduation. 
  • Enrolled students will complete the program within 14 months.
  • Graduates will be satisfied with the program.
  • Employers will be satisfied with the performance of newly hired graduates.
​Quicklinks
About Radiation Therapy
Curriculum and Academic Calendar
Faculty Members
Eligibility and Prerequisites
For Prospective Students
​Application & Instructions




​Contact
School of Radiation Therapy
Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
541 N. Fairbanks Court
Suite 950
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.926.6609
The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 
​
The program received the maximum accreditation award of 8 years in 2017. The next scheduled review will take place in the 2nd quarter of 2025.
​
​​The JRCERT is located at:
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.704.5300

Program Effectiveness data is published below:

Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to operate as a post-secondary educational institution in the state of Illinois. ​
Accredited Clinical Schools I Northwestern Medicine