Radiation Therapy Program

Radiation Therapy (A.A.S.) 

Radiation Therapy Handbook

The Radiation Therapy program at Nassau Community College is a two-year (i.e., four (4) semesters and three (3) summer sessions) program, leading to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Graduates are eligible to apply for the examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, to become RegisteredRadiation Therapists, and to obtain New York State licensure.

Radiation therapists primarily treat cancer patients by applying ionizing radiation, according to a radiation oncologist prescription, using a variety of complex techniques and equipment.  The Radiation Therapy program combines technical courses and liberal arts courses given at Nassau Community College with off-campus clinical education at various affiliating hospitals. This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and by New York State Department of Health. Opportunities for professional advancement at the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree level are available.

Mission Statement

The Radiation Therapy Program is a component of the Allied Health Sciences Department at Nassau Community College. It is dedicated to providing low cost, high quality education to prepare graduates for positions as entry level radiation therapists who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver prescribed treatments safely and competently. 

In fulfillment of this mission, the program strives:

• To provide an environment which facilitates academic and clinical excellence
• To provide educational activities which support optimal technical, communication and patient care skills
• To enhance students' problem solving and critical thinking abilities
• To integrate into the program general education and professional courses so as to provide a basis for life-long learning
• provide an ethical framework for practice within the discipline

Job Description

The program is designed to provide academic and clinical education which will prepare the graduate to assume the duties of a radiation therapist including:

• Accurately delivering prescribed treatments,
• using various forms of ionizing radiation; 
• Assisting doctors and medical physicists to plan courses of treatment; 
• Keeping detailed medical records; 
• Assisting with patient care; 
• Observing and reporting reactions to treatment.