2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Radiation Therapy Specialist
Career Cluster:	Health Science

CCC	
CIP Number	0351090703	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	43 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-1124 Radiation Therapists
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Radiation Therapy AS degree program (1351090701).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as radiation therapy technologist SOC Code 29-1124 (Radiation Therapists), or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or presently employed in these occupations.

The content includes but is not limited to administer the prescribed radiation therapy treatments of the highest caliber, thereby providing the patient treatments of the highest quality and accuracy; to become members of the health care team that contributes to the physical and psychological comfort of the patient, to provide radiation protection to the patient, self and health care team; to work with the health care team to improve radiotherapeutic health care in the hospital and community; and to understand the importance of maintaining membership in the professional organizations and keeping abreast of the changes in the field of radiation therapy.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Deliver a planned course of radiation therapy.
13.0	Verify the mathematical accuracy of the prescription.
14.0	Maintain daily records and document technical details of the treatment administered.
15.0	Observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy; recognize the first signs of any complication; and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted.
16.0	Provide patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures.
17.0	Detect equipment malfunctions; report same to the proper authority; and know the safe limits of equipment operation.
18.0	Apply the rules and regulations for radiation safety; detect any radiation hazards; and maintain control in the event of a radiation accident.
19.0	Understand the function of equipment and utilize equipment to its full potential.
20.0	Demonstrate the use of all treatment accessories.
21.0	Construct immobilization and beam‑directional devices and prepare brachytherapy molds.
22.0	Assist in the preparation of brachytherapy sources.
23.0	Assist the physicist in calibration of equipment and in treatment planning procedures

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Radiation Therapy Specialist
CIP Number:		0351090703
Program Length:	43 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-1124

This certificate program is part of the Radiation Therapy AS degree program (1351090701).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:
	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the health care delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the   individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice. 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios.	
Radiation Therapy Specialist:  (12-23)	
12.0	Deliver a planned course of radiation therapy–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Orient patient to the planned treatment procedure and give emotional support.	
12.02	Identify patient scheduled for treatment by arm band, photograph, or verbally and help patient onto and off the treatment table with the aid of assistants, when necessary, using proper body mechanics to avoid injury to patient or technologist.	
12.03	Position patient to reproduce set‑up indicated in the treatment chart, using positioning aids and immobilization devices.	
12.04	Position treatment machine to reproduce set‑up indicated by the approved treatment plan.	
12.05	Set appropriate controls on treatment machine console (e.g., modality, energy, monitor units, time) and activate machine to deliver prescribed treatment indicated on treatment plan.	
12.06	Discuss with physician any questions concerning patient's prescription.	
13.0	Verify the mathematical accuracy of the prescription–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Calculate the number of monitor units/exposure time for each treatment session to achieve the prescribed dose indicated by the physician, taking into account such factors as the energy of the beam, number of and orientation of the beam(s), SSD or SAD, depth of tumor, patient thickness, size and shape of portal, use of wedges, et cetera.	
13.02	Record factors used in the calculation of monitor units/exposure time onto treatment chart to allow checking of calculations for correctness.	
13.03	Recognize if proposed treatment plan appears to deliver inappropriate dose to critical structures in order to alert the physician.	
14.0	Maintain daily records and document technical details of the treatment administered–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Obtain and process verification radiographs for documentation of accuracy of field position.	
14.02	Set up preliminary treatment field and take a radiograph with the field marked by collimator wires, solder wire, or lead ladders taped to the patient's skin.	
14.03	Record information on treatment chart, describing the conditions used in the simulation, to aid in their reproduction (e.g., patient position, technique and positioning devices) on the treatment machine.	
15.0	Observe the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy; recognize the first signs of any complication; and determine when treatment should be withheld until a physician may be consulted–The student will be able to:	
15.01	When requested, measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate and temperature).	
15.02	Schedule patient for blood studies and record result (e.g., platelets, WBC, PVC, [HCT]) on treatment chart to provide record of effects of radiation on patient during course of treatment, and report abnormal results to physician.	
15.03	Observe and/or question patient regarding nutritional status offering dietary hints or referring patient to appropriate personnel for management.	
15.04	Observe and question patient about any side effects or problems he/she may be experiencing, and notify physician.	
16.0	Provide patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Answer patient's questions regarding treatment related topics or refer to the physician when inappropriate for the therapist to answer.	
16.02	Maintain accessory medical equipment attached to patient (e.g., IVs, oxygen tanks) to avoid endangering the patient during the therapy procedure using knowledge of such hospital apparatus.	
16.03	Educate patient concerning proper skin care of treatment area(s).	
16.04	Clean, wash, disinfect and/or sterilize facility and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for next patient.	
17.0	Detect equipment malfunctions; report same to the proper authority, and know the safe limits of equipment operation–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Warm up treatment machines and/or simulators and check all safety and operation procedures according to manufacturer's operating manual for possible malfunction.	
17.02	Monitor console of treatment machine to spot any malfunctioning of equipment during treatment using indicators on machine, and take appropriate action when necessary to assure safety of patient and personnel.	
17.03	Maintain treatment machines and accessories to minimize necessary interruptions in treatment due to mechanical breakdown.	
18.0	Apply the rules and regulations for radiation safety; detect any radiation hazards; and maintain control in the event of radiation accident–The student will be able to:	
18.01	Wear a monitoring device while on duty to obtain a personal record of radiation exposure over a period of time.	
18.02	Protect workers and others in the area from radiation exposure by closing door to treatment room to activate interlock.	
18.03	Monitor patient visually (directly or indirectly) and by intercommunication system to insure patient's safety and accuracy of treatment.	
18.04	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
19.0	Understand the function of equipment and utilize equipment to its full potential–The student will be able to:	
19.01	Position patient on simulator table in proper orientation to the simulator using positioning aids and immobilization devices.	
19.02	Assist physician in localizing tumor volume and critical organizing radiographic techniques, with or without contrast media.	
19.03	Process films to produce finished radiographs and have physician approve treatment (field) area indicated in film.	
20.0	Demonstrate the use of all treatment accessories–The student will be able to:	
20.01	Assist physician with the physical examinations of patients (e.g., preparing patient, examination room, instruments).	
20.02	Assist physician in determining optimum fields to cover volume of interest utilizing knowledge of shape of field, gantry angle, blocks, et cetera.	
20.03	Take contours of body parts for use in treatment planning using methods or materials such a solder wire, pin device, pantograph, CT, et cetera.	
21.0	Construct immobilization and beam directional devices and prepare brachytherapy molds–The student will be able to:	
21.01	When procedure requires, manufacture individualized immobilization devices to aid in the replication of the treatment set‑up (e.g., bite blocks, molds, plaster shells).	
21.02	When appropriate, measure and record information necessary to fabricate blocks or accessories required for treatment.	
21.03	Prepare custom blocks for use in shaping treatment field by cutting lead blocks or using molten metal techniques.	
22.0	Assist in the preparation of brachytherapy source–The student will be able to:	
22.01	Take placement radiographs of implants to be used in dose calculation and placement verification according to protocol.	
22.02	Assist with measurement and recording of the necessary parameters for calculation of the dose to be delivered.	
22.03	Assist with brachytherapy using knowledge of radionuclides employed and interstitial and intracavitary applications as integrated into the patient treatment plan.	
23.0	Assist the physicist in calibration of equipment and in treatment planning procedures–The student will be able to:	
23.01	Check dose rate by measuring radiation dose reading at standard distance and standard conditions, and then compare with proper standard using appropriate radiation measuring devices (e.g., Victoreen Timble Chamber).	
23.02	Perform light field test on treatment machine to check alignment of collimator light and cross hairs with treatment beam by setting a standard field size, exposing a radiograph and physically measuring the field size recorded on the radiograph.	
23.03	Check rotation by setting gantry so it goes through complete arc.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Clinical education has been established for the students in these programs.  It is designed to permit accurate assessment of the knowledge, skills and abilities of students in the clinical education component of the program.  After completion of the prerequisite practice of radiotherapeutic procedures, students indicate readiness for evaluation in a specific category to the clinical affiliate or faculty in the assigned clinical education center.

Clinical education and laboratory activities facilitate student rotations to provide them equitable opportunity to achieve the program clinical objective utilizing multiple affiliates.  The resulting clinical rotation and laboratory practicum provides students with patient treatment techniques utilizing a variety of megavoltage equipment, radiation therapy patient care procedures, localization and treatment, radiation therapy physics including dosimetry, machine calibration, quality assurance, handling of sealed radioactive sources and protection, follow up, patient care and patient recordkeeping.

Special Notes

The program is designed to provide the radiation therapy community with workers who, under the supervision of a Radiation Oncologist, uses ionizing radiation to treat disease.  The curriculum provides students an opportunity to develop technical and social skills through experiences in the clinic, classroom, and laboratory.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements.  Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2901, (312) 704-5300, or by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to enable graduates to become candidates for examination in Radiation Therapy Technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  It may also be approved by the Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control so that the graduate is eligible for licensure in Florida as a certified Radiation Therapy Technologists.  As specified in Chapter 468 Part IV F.S. and 64E-3 F.A.C.

The designation of PSV-C requires that the student have an associate degree in a related field of study (i.e. radiologic technology, etc.).  Upon the successful completion of the program the student will receive a Radiation Therapy Specialist Certificate.

Program completers will be eligible to make application to take the National Registry examination.  For further information contact: 

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
1255 Northland Drive 
St. Paul, MN 55120 
(612) 687-0048
www.arrt.org 

Students are encouraged to become members of their appropriate professional organizations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Florida Society of Radiologic Technologists (FSRT) and its' local affiliate.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Articulation

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp.