The School of Radiation Therapy: Admissions
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview’s Radiation Therapy Program accepts certified radiographers or those completing an accredited radiology program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and who possess, at minimum, an associate degree.
Pre-requisite coursework:
Pre-requisite courses must be completed before the fall start date for the radiation therapy program. These courses must be college-level courses and applicants must achieve a grade of “C” or better in them.
- Speech or Interpersonal Communication
- English Composition
- College Algebra, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- General College Physics
- Radiologic Technology Courses
- Documented Radiation Therapy Observation Experience
If it has been more than seven years since you completed your radiology program or pre-requisite college course work, it is recommended that applicants complete refresher coursework in algebra, physics or anatomy as needed to improve competitive standing.
Policies and Responsibilities
The following policies affect applications and admissions to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview School of Radiation Therapy:
- Program Policy for Transfer of Credit: The University of Minnesota Medical Center/Fairview Radiation Therapy Program will review and assess transcripts from previous post-secondary education to determine whether any credits may be appropriately granted for prior education. Due to the distinct didactic and clinical curriculum schedule of this program, there is no guarantee that prior educational credit will be applied. Acceptance or rejection of prior credit is at the discretion of the University of Minnesota Medical Center/Fairview Radiation Therapy Program.
- Health Status and Immunization Record. Upon admission, students must complete a health history and immunization form. Minnesota has enacted legislation to protect vulnerable persons in licensed care facilities. If appointed to the program, you will be required to submit demographic information for the purpose of criminal background studies. Appointment is conditional to qualifications.
- Health Insurance. Students will need to show evidence of Health Care Coverage prior to beginning the program.
- Equal Opportunity. Admission to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview School of Radiation Therapy is granted and maintained without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, creed, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, disability or any other protected status.
- Student Responsibilities. Students are expected to attend all classes, participate in all examinations and engage in all assignments or activities related to didactic & clinical courses. Students are required to exhibit professional behavior as well as the highest ethical conduct at all times throughout the program and related activities. Students are required to maintain a “B-” grade average or above in each component of the curriculum. A student who fails to maintain this minimum grade or exhibits clinical deficiencies or unprofessional behavior is subject to probation. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic and/or clinical progress may result in probation and remediation. No more than two academic grades and/or behaviors resulting in probation will be allowed during program enrollment.
- Grading. Didactic courses are graded using an A-F scale based on assignments, presentations, projects, quizzes and exams. Clinical grades are based on clinical competency, critical thinking and professionalism. Faculty and clinical support is provided and one-on-one evaluation is ongoing.
- Financial Responsibility. The Radiation Therapy program is not part of the University of Minnesota and the school is not certified by the USDE for eligibility for Title IV student financial aid. Therefore, accepted students are not eligible for federal financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to contact financial institutions and complete any paperwork required for loan processing in order to comply with tuition payment dates as designated by University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Students may contact private financial institutions and additional information and resources may be located from the Education Connection.
Technical Standards
The School of Radiation Therapy accepts students who are highly qualified for the radiation therapy program. To be considered for this program you should exhibit strong qualifications for the radiation therapy profession. Applicants to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview radiation therapy program must possess the following general qualities:
- physical and mental stamina
- flexibility and adaptability, good sound judgment
- excellent critical thinking skills
- emotional stability
- high level of professionalism and maturity
- personal responsibility
- communicate well and appropriately with patients and staff, verbal and written or otherwise.
In addition, Radiation Therapy students must be able to perform the following as part of the regular duties:
- use computers and keyboards
- push, pull, bend, stoop and squat routinely
- stand for long periods of time
- lift 20 pounds over your head
- distinguish shades of gray
- perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- move quickly throughout the clinic
- assist in lifting transferring and moving patients and equipment
- communicate with patients and staff, verbal and written or otherwise
- demonstrate retention and utilization of clinical information and skills
Students must be able to perform the essential functions and requirements as required by the program curriculum.
