The Proton Therapy Advanced Certificate program provides a post-graduate educational opportunity to registered radiation therapists through a variety of instructional methods including online and classroom instruction, simulated practical experience and clinical experience.
Through proton therapy courses and hands-on experience, participants will complete the 16-credit program with the knowledge and skills necessary to function as a competent and compassionate proton therapy professional.
College of DuPage also offers a certificate in radiation therapy for students interested in becoming certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Admission Information
Prospective students must follow specific admission criteria before being admitted into the program and follow the admission checklist located in the Proton Therapy Admissions Packet.
First Step to Apply - Attend an Advising Session
Determine Your Path
Although the program is considered a one-year certificate program, students must be a graduate of an accredited Radiography or Nuclear Medicine program. They also must have completed a radiation therapy program and/or are currently working as a radiation therapist.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities and equipment in the Health and Science Center (HSC).
Proton Therapy
The Proton Therapy Advanced certificate provides advancement opportunities to registered Radiation Therapists through a variety of instructional methods including online and traditional instruction, simulated practical experience as well as clinical experience.
Graduates of the Proton Therapy Advanced Certificate are expected to meet the following objectives:
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures of the body in radiographic and cross-sectional images.
- Describe the concepts of basic patient care specific to radiation therapy/proton therapy with an emphasis on physical and emotional conditions.
- Discuss the physical properties of protons and describe how they influence the principles of treatment and simulation.
- Discuss specific pathologic conditions and describe the standard treatment and simulation regimens for each anatomical structure.
- Demonstrate clinical competency in a variety of treatment procedures.
- Describe and discuss quality management procedures standard in a proton therapy facility.
- Practice radiation safety precautions specific to the delivery of proton therapy treatments.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Proton Therapy program is to read the admissions packet. The packet contains an admissions checklist that you will need to follow in order to be eligible for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Proton Therapy program graduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures of the body in radiographic and cross-sectional images.
- Describe the concepts of basic patient care specific to radiation therapy/proton therapy with an emphasis on physical and emotional conditions.
- Discuss the physical properties of protons and describe how they influence the principles of treatment and simulation.
- Discuss specific pathologic conditions and describe the standard treatment and simulation regimens for each anatomical structure.
- Demonstrate clinical competency in a variety of treatment procedures.
- Describe and discuss quality management procedures standard in a proton therapy facility.
- Practice radiation safety precautions specific to the delivery of proton therapy treatments.
