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Curriculum

Through our well-planned and supervised clinical and didactic program, you will gain experience in all areas of radiation oncology.

Clinical Training
During your clinical education you will observe and participate in special treatment techniques. These include:

  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
  • Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT)
  • Brachytherapy
  • Hyperthermia
  • Leksell gamma knife radiosurgery

Didactic Training
This program is a full-time, day school program. You will spend an average of 15-to-20 hours a week in didactic instruction, with the remaining time in clinical rotations.

Clinical Rotations
During monthly rotations, under the supervision of qualified radiation therapists, you will have learning opportunities in all aspects of radiation oncology, simulation, treatment, and dosimetry.

Off-site Rotations
All students will participate in offsite rotations to Mayo Health System sites in Mankato, Minn., Albert Lea, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis.

While it is your responsibility to commute to this site, Mayo Clinic will provide assistance with housing and travel . During the rotation, you will receive didactic course work via a videoconferencing system.

Students will be responsible for driving to these sites for a 1-2 week rotation.

Course Sequence
The following three semesters of courses are required to complete the MSHS Radiation Therapy Program. All courses are taught in Rochester using a combination of face-to-face and videoconference delivery.


Year 1 - Fall Semester
(September-December)
Number Course Credit
RTT 3501 Introduction to Radiation Therapy 2
RTT 3521 Patient Care in Radiation Oncology 2
RTT 3541 Pathology 2
RTT 3561 Cross-Sectional Anatomy 4
RTT 3596 Clinical Practicum I 4
RTT 3551Radiation Oncology Physics 4
Total Credits: 18

Year 1 - Spring Semester
(January-May)

Number Course Credit
RTT 3581 Principles and Practices of Radiation
Therapy I 		4
RTT 4511Dosimetry and Treatment Planning4
RTT 3701 Advanced Radiobiology and Radiation Protection 3
RTT 3601 Clinical Quality Assurance & Computer Applications 1
RTT 3696 Clinical Practicum II 6
Total Credits: 18

Year 1 - Summer Semester
(June-August)

Number Course Credit
RTT 4581 Principles and Practices of Radiation
Therapy II 		3
RTT 4611 Operational Issues in Radiation Therapy 1
RTT 4601 Research Project 1
RTT 4596Clinical Practicum III5
Board Exam Review 0
Total Credits: 10

Upper-Division Credits:

46


Academic Breaks/Student Time Off
The program will not be in session during the Thanksgiving Holiday (Wed-Fri), Christmas Break (1.5 weeks), Spring Break (1 week in March), Memorial Day, and Summer Break (1 week the first week of July). Specific dates may be obtained from the Program Director.

Student Responsibilities
Mayo School of Health Sciences students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, examinations, and assigned clinical rotations unless they are given an approved absence.

Students are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times.

Grading or Evaluation
As you move through the Radiation Therapy Program rotations, you will be evaluated in each clinical area by the supervising therapists and the clinical supervisors. Course work is graded a A - F scale. A competency-based evaluation system and performance appraisal forms are used to evaluate clinical performance.

Mayo School of Health Sciences uses evaluative tools that include:

  • Written examination
  • Oral presentations
  • Demonstration of skills
  • Faculty reviews

Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance, allowing students who are experiencing academic difficulty to be directed to appropriate support resources, including tutoring programs and counseling opportunities.

Curriculum Enhancements
The school is committed to developing and maintaining the very best education programs. Changes may be made to the curriculum and other aspects of this program as necessary to assure the highest-quality training.

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