Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer and is prescribed in more than half of all cancer cases. The Radiation Therapist works with a team of oncology professionals to effectively design and administer a therapeutic dose of radiation to a targeted area. They use advanced computer systems to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipment. Additionally, the Radiation Therapist assists in managing the patient’s well-being by providing care and support for patients throughout their course of radiotherapy treatment.
Prerequisites
The following Bergen Community College courses are in accordance with the pre-admission requirements listed by state and national accreditation agencies for an approved program in Radiation Therapy Technology. The completion of all of the following courses or their equivalent is required for a Certificate in Radiation Therapy Technology from Bergen Community College.
All applicants to the Bergen Community College Radiation Therapy Program are required to complete the following courses as prerequisites.
Prerequisite BIO-109 Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Description: An introduction to the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology that emphasizes some common diseases in relation to the various body systems. Among the topics considered are the basic plan of the body tissues, the skeletal system, the muscular system, articulations, cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system. Lectures are supplemented by writing assignments, discussion, and laboratory sessions that include dissection and elementary physiology experiments.
3 lectures, 3 labs, 4 credits
Prerequisite: BIO-209 Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Description: Continues the study of human anatomy and physiology. Among the topics considered are the digestive system, metabolism, urinary system, fluid and electrolyte balance, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system. Lectures are supplemented by writing assignments, discussion and laboratory sessions that include dissection and elementary physiology experiments.
3 lectures, 3 labs, 4 credits
Prerequisite: BIO 109
Prerequisite: PHY-185 Introduction to Physics
Course Description: Covers a series of topics: Newton’s Laws of Motion, mechanical energy, work and power, heat and heat transfer, electricity and magnetism, light, sound, atomic structure, and radioactivity and relativity. Conceptual principles are emphasized without dwelling on the rigorous mathematic aspects of the topics studied. Although no math is required, some principles are developed and used. Application of principles to environmental and health problems included.
3 lectures, 3 labs, 4 credits
Prerequisite: MAT-160 Intermediate Algebra
Course Description: The study of polynomial and rational expressions, integral and fractional exponents, roots and radicals, linear and quadratic equations, functions, elementary curve sketching, inequalities.
4 lectures, 4 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 032 sequence or MAT 035, minimum grade C.
All applicants to the Bergen Community College Radiation Therapy Program are required to complete the following general education courses as prerequisites. Or, they may complete up to two of these courses concomitant with the Radiation Therapy Program course of study.
Prerequisite/Concomitant with the Program: WRT-201 English Composition II
Course Description: Continues the emphasis of English Composition I on the writing process, and on critical reading and thinking skills. Particular attention is devoted to writing with sources and to argumentative writing. Emphasis is placed on correct language usage and on research and the techniques of MLA documentation.
3 lectures, 3 credits
Prerequisite: WRT 101
Prerequisite/Concomitant with the Program: COM-100 Speech Communication
Course Description: Guides students through the methods of organizing, delivering, and evaluating the spoken word in various speech situations. Intrapersonal and interpersonal communication in conjunction with public address are studied.
3 lecture, 3 credits
Prerequisite/Concomitant with the Program : MAT – 150 Statistics Course Description: This course is a study of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, the normal distribution, sampling and sampling distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence interval estimation, and hypothesis testing. 3 lecture. Prerequisite (s): MAT 032 or MAT 035 or MAT 160
Prerequisite/Concomitant with the Program: MAT-180 Precalculus: College Algebra and Trigonometry
Course Description: A study of coordinate geometry, functions and graphing; polynomial and rational functions, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions; analytic geometry, and applications.
4 lectures, 4 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 160, minimum grade C.
Radiation Therapists Typically Make
$51.30/hr
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy
HomeHealth Professions
Department Chair: Joseph Mamatz
Department Secretary: Gerri Farrell
Room: HP-312
Phone: (201) 689-7025
Program Coordinator: Amy Diaz, MBA, RT(R)(T)(ARRT)
Phone: (201) 493-5034
Fax: (201) 612-3876
Clinical Coordinators: Daniel Brancato, M.S., R.T.T and James Zuzzolo, M.S., R.T.T.
Phone: (201) 689-7009
Program Secretary: Esmeralda Armendariz
Room: HP-312
Phone: (201) 689-7024
Our Mission
The mission of the radiation therapy program at Bergen Community College is to train students for careers in radiation therapy through a well-rounded one-year advanced certificate program. The program incorporates didactic courses with formalized lectures and laboratory training followed by clinical experience. The program is committed to cultivate competent, knowledgeable and compassionate radiation therapists that will meet the needs of the radiation oncology community and the patients they serve. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer and is prescribed in more than half of all cancer cases. The radiation therapist works with a team of oncology professionals to effectively design and administer a therapeutic dose of radiation to a targeted area. They use advanced computer systems to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipment. Additionally, the radiation therapist assists in managing the patient’s well-being by providing care and support for patients throughout their course of radiotherapy treatment.
Career Paths
The certificate in radiation therapy is designed to provide students with the coursework and training needed to enter into the field as a certified radiation therapist. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in radiation therapy. Once students complete the program, they are prepared to take the radiation therapy licensure exam. Once students pass the licensure exam and requirements, they become a certified radiation therapist. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. Students can also utilize Career Coach, a resource provided by Bergen, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers https://bergen.emsicc.com.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the certificate in radiation therapy may consider transfer opportunities into other allied health and science majors. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.
About Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College maintains locations in Paramus (main campus), Hackensack (Ciarco Learning Center), and Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands) serving more than 32,000 students in degree, continuing education and adult education programs.
