Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists use cutting edge technology and clinical skills to administer ionizing radiation to fight diseases (predominantly cancer).
Elmhurst University has an affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where after enrolling at Elmhurst, students can apply to NMH to gain additional education and valuable hands-on experience. If accepted, Elmhurst University students spend three years on-campus taking courses and spend their final phase of academic and clinical training at the hospital.
Radiation therapists collaborate with a diverse health care team to provide treatment to patients in primarily in hospitals and physician clinics. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as a radiation therapist:
- Prepare patients for daily treatments
- Deliver radiation treatments
- Evaluate and monitor treatment delivery equipment
- Perform radiation dose calculations
- Provide high-quality patient care
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team
Students preparing for careers in radiation therapy major in health science technology if they apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital through the Elmhurst University affiliation. Northwestern Memorial Hospital prefers science related majors for students applying after they receive an undergraduate degree.
If accepted, students will complete three years of college courses on site at Elmhurst University and then the final phase of clinical/academic education (14 months) on site at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Students apply to NMH during junior year. Upon successful completion of the courses and training for this track, students will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take required national certifying examinations in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst.
Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation. Their timeline may vary from the traditional one. Transfer students are required to attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted by them. Most transfer students will attend Elmhurst for 2 years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted.
Students accepted into the program pay Elmhurst tuition and fees for Elmhurst and Northwestern Memorial Hospital courses. Additional fees may be required by the hospital as well. The hospital is located at 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 950 in Chicago, IL 60611.
Below are required courses for the affiliation as a health science technology major:
Required Courses
- BIO 200, 201, 207, 208, 315
- CHM 211, 212, 311, 312
- PHY 111, 112
- MTH 132, 345
- HST 400, 498
- ENG 105, 106
- CS 111 or CS 220
- COM 213
- Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum
Courses in computer science, research methods, and verbal and written communication are also required. Speak with an advisor to learn more about how to build them into a schedule and any other additional course information.
You will meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance.
When you successfully complete your academic and clinical program, you’ll be eligible to take national certifying examinations administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
You can start by checking the website of Northwestern’s School of Radiation Therapy. To learn more, students should schedule a meeting with the health professions advisor.
Any student interested in applying is responsible for learning about all the requirements for the program. Admission to Elmhurst University does not guarantee acceptance into any track or program.