School of Radiation Therapy: Program Description

Established in 1970, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center School of Radiation Therapy is dedicated to preparing its students to become professional radiation therapists. Our students will learn to demonstrate the highest quality of technical expertise; provide competent, compassionate clinical care in serving their patients; and collaborate effectively with their colleagues.

Goals

Fulfillment of the program's mission is assessed by the extent to which the program accomplishes the following goals:

1. Produce graduates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide accurate treatment planning and delivery.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     • Students will be clinically competent
     • Students will be adequately prepared for an entry-level position both clinically and didactically

2. Provide the opportunity for the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     • Students can successfully assemble/disassemble the body phantom and identify/label anatomical structures and their location on radiographs
     • Student graduates are challenged with critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities
     • Students successfully complete the clinical skills component of the Simulation Clinical Evaluation

3. Produce graduates who are effective communicators, both in writing and orally.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     • Students will demonstrate written communication skills
     • Students will demonstrate oral communication skills
     • Students will communicate effectively with therapists, physicians and support staff

4. Produce graduates who exhibit appropriate professional and ethical behavior for entry-level radiation therapy positions and demonstrate interest for professional development.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     • Students will show respect for staff and patients
     • Students will show consideration and sensitivity for staff and patients
     • Students will critically assess situation, exercise care, discretion and judgment
     • Student graduates will be dependable and reliable

5. Produce graduates who complete the program and gain employment to meet the needs of the healthcare community.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     • Students graduate within a two-year period of time
     • Students will pass the certification exam at the first attempt
     • Student graduates will find employment within 6 months of graduation
     • Employers find new graduates well-prepared to work as entry level therapists
     • Employers choose to hire future MSKCC graduates