Titles, descriptions, and credit recommendations for all learning experiences recommended for college credit within the Current Courses section can be found below. To locate information on additional learning experiences, which have also been recommended for college credit, use the Organization Directory Page link above for a complete list of titles for all learning experiences or use the following link to go directly to other sections: 

Retired Courses and Earlier Versions of Current Courses

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Current Courses section

Anatomy and Physiology
Clinical Practicum
Clinical Radiation Oncology I
Clinical Radiation Oncology II
Clinical Setups I and II
Ethics, Records, Orientation, and Terminology
Film Review
Mathematics
Medical Ethics, Medical Terminology, and Record Keeping 
Methods of Patient Care
Nursing
Pathology
Principles of Radiation Oncology
Principles of Radiography
Quality Assurance
Radiation Biology
Radiation Physics I
Radiation Physics II
Radiation Protection
Treatment Planning I
Treatment Planning II

Descriptions and credit recommendations

Anatomy and Physiology
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1, 2 or 3: 90 hours (30 weeks). Version 4: 100 hours (34 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: January 1975 - August 1987. Version 2: September 1987 - August 1993. Version 3: September 1993 - August 2003. Version 4: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the student with knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. Version 2, 3 or 4: Describe the structure and function of the human body.
Instruction: Version 1: The body as an integrated whole; skeletal and articular systems; axial and appendicular skeleton; muscular system; integration and control of the body; circulatory and lymphatic systems; respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems; reproduction, endocrine system and fluids and electrolytes. Laboratory work is not included. Version 2, 3 or 4: Orientation to the cellular function; the body as an integrated whole; skeletal and articular systems; axial and appendicular skeleton; muscular system; integration and control of the body; circulatory and lymphatic systems; respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems; reproduction, endocrine system and fluids and electrolytes; nervous system. Special emphasis is placed on the lymphatic system. Laboratory work is not included.
 Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences or Biology (4/80) (11/88 revalidation). Version 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Biology (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation).

Clinical Practicum
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Minimum of 2,200 hours (2 years).
Dates: January 1975 - Present.
Objectives: Demonstrate entry-level competency in the practice of radiation therapy technology in a clinical setting.
Instruction: Students function as learning members of the hospital’s radiation therapy department. Experience is provided in patient set-up, localization of tumors, immobilization device fabrication, treatment planning, operation of various radiation treatment units, basic nursing skills, emergency procedures, radiation safety, treatment simulation, and psychological needs of the patient. Direct supervision is provided to develop and evaluate the student’s clinical skills.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/ associate degree category, 22 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (4/80) (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation).

Clinical Radiation Oncology II
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 60 hours (30 weeks). Version 2: 48 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1987 - Present. Version 2: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Describe various cancer treatment modalities and explain the principles of treatment as applied to various organ sites.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Histopathology; detection; diagnosis; classification and staging; metastatic spread; etiology; epidemiology; treatment techniques; tolerance; reactions; prognosis.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (6/04 revalidation).

Clinical Setups I and II
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: 34 hours (17 weeks); classroom instruction is supplemented by approximately 68 hours of laboratory demonstration.
Dates: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Explain simulation concepts and principles; describe treatment techniques for basic and advanced clinical set-ups and explain the rationale for each; perform techniques used in accurately simulating and setting up a patient for radiation therapy treatment.
Instruction: Anatomical sites; anatomical landmarks; lymph node drainage; immobilization devices; contrast media; proper technical procedures based on current practices. Classroom presentations are supplemented with laboratory demonstrations.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (6/04).

Film Review
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: 17 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Read and analyze films and treatment fields; locate radiographically and discuss, in relation to anatomical landmarks, organs and structures; identify and discuss typical treatment fields and the rationales for the fields.
Instruction: Structural and topographical anatomy; film critiquing and identification; tumor volume localization.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences (6/04).

Mathematics
(Fundamentals of Mathematics)
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1, 2, 3 or 4: 30 hours (15 weeks). Version 5: 34 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: January 1975 - August 1987. Version 2: September 1987 - August 1993. Version 3: September 1993 - August 1998. Version 4: September 1998 - August 2003. Version 5: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the student with a review of general mathematics. Version 2: Perform basic mathematical calculations in algebra and geometry. Version 3: Solve problems using graphs, logarithms, and trigonometric and algebraic functions. Version 4 or 5: Solve problems using graphs, logarithms, and trigonometric and algebraic functions; interpret basic descriptive statistics.
Instruction: Version 1: General review of basic numeri­cal computa­tions, scientific notation, exponents, and logarithms. Algebraic equations and trigonometric func­tions. Version 2: General review of basic numerical computations, scientific notation, exponents, and logarithms. Algebraic equations. Version 3: General review of basic numerical computations, scientific notation, exponents, and logarithms; algebraic equations; geometry; basic trigonometry. Version 4 or 5: General review of basic numerical computations, scientific notation, exponents, and logarithms; algebraic equations; geometry; basic trigonometry; basic descriptive statistics.
Credit recommendation: Version 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Mathematics (4/80) (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation).

Medical Ethics, Medical Terminology, and Record Keeping
(Formerly Ethics, Records, Orientation, and Terminology)
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 15 hours (15 weeks). Version 2: 17 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1987 - August 2003.* Version 2: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Describe the moral and legal responsibilities of the radiation therapist; describe appropriate standards of professional conduct in relation to patients, family, and staff; define common medical roots, prefixes, and suffixes; explain general principles of medical record keeping; interpret patient records; maintain records accurately from a medical and legal point of view.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Professional behavior; confidentiality; legal aspects of patient care; common medical terminology; treatment data; legal aspects of patient records; filing systems.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation). *NOTE: From January 1975 to August 1987, Medical Ethics, Medical Terminology, and Record Keeping was recommended for credit under the title Ethics, Records, Orientation, and Terminology as part of a course grouping that included Principles of Radiography and Nursing (now titled Methods of Patient Care). For further information, please refer to Principles of Radiography in the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

Methods of Patient Care
(Formerly Nursing)
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 15 hours (15 weeks). Version 2: 17 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1987 - August 2003.* Version 2: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Describe the multidisciplinary approach to patient care; identify potential side effects of radiation therapy; perform basic patient care skills.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Collaborative practice; basic assessment skills; protective measures of patient care; physiological and psychological needs of patients; management of medical emergencies; management of radiation side effects; nutrition and support services.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation). *NOTE: From January 1975 to August 1987, Methods of Patient Care was recommended for credit under the title Nursing as part of a course grouping that included Principles of Radiography and Ethics, Records, Orientation, and Terminology (now titled Medical Ethics, Medical Terminology, and Record Keeping). For further information, please refer to Principles of Radiography in the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

Pathology
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1: 15 hours (15 weeks). Version 2: 25.5 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1987 - August 2003.* Version 2: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: Describe the structural and functional manifestations of diseases, especially neoplasias, and explain the correlations between the changes in body tissues and organs which cause or are caused by disease.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Relationship between physiology and pathology; major divisions of pathology; effects of radiation on normal tissues; effects of radiation on diseased tissue, particularly cancer; the major pathological conditions of the various organs, with emphasis on neoplasia of these organs.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Biology (11/88 revalidation) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation). *NOTE: From January 1975 to August 1987, this course was recommended for credit as part of a course grouping included courses then titled Oncology and Technical Radiation Oncology. For further information, please refer to Pathology in the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

1.  Principles of Radiation Oncology
2.  Clinical Radiation Oncology I
(Principles of Radiation Therapy)
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Course 1. 17 hours (17 weeks). Course 2. 22.5 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: September 2003 - Present.*
Objectives: Course 1: Define terminology related to cancer and its treatment; explain its method of spread and treatment modalities. Course 2: Explain principles of operation of radiation therapy equipment and basic concepts of treatment planning.
Instruction: Course 1: Types of cancer, their incidence and survival rates; methods of spread; staging; ionizing radiation and cell sensitivity; dose fractionation. Course 2: Construction and operation of linear accelerators, cobalt teletherapy equipment, cyclotrons, simulators, and auxiliary equipment; beam shaping devices.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (6/04 revalidation). *NOTE: Earlier versions of these courses, dating from January 1975 to August 2003, have been recommended for college credit. For further information, please refer to the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

1.  Quality Assurance
2.  Principles of Radiography
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Course 1, Version 1. 10 hours (10 weeks). Course 2, Version 1. 15 hours (15 weeks). Course 1, Version 2: 15 hours (15 weeks). Course 2, Version 2: 17 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: September 1987 - August 2003.* Version 2: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Course 1, Versions 1 and 2: Perform necessary checks on radiation therapy equipment to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff; monitor equipment to determine consistency and accuracy of treatment parameters; maintain accurate records of treatment. Course 2, Versions 1 and 2: Identify the basic principles of radiographic imaging, including the selection and processing of films.
Instruction: Course 1, Versions 1 and 2: Patient charts; mechanical and electrical safety devices; light field, radiation field, and collimator indicator agreement; dose rate constancy; beam penetration; field symmetry and flatness; mechanical and optical alignment devices; film processor performance; image quality constancy. Course 2, Versions 1 and 2: Machine variables; intensifying screens; film and cassette types; film processing techniques.
Credit recommendation: Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences (11/88) (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation). Version 2:  In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (6/04 revalidation). NOTE: Courses 1 and 2 must both be completed to receive credit. *NOTE: From January 1975 to August 1987, Principles of Radiography was recommended for credit as part of a course grouping that included Ethics, Records, Orientation, and Terminology, and Nursing. For further information, please refer to the course exhibit

Radiation Biology
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 30 hours (30 weeks). Version 3: 18 hours (18 weeks). Version 4: 17 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: January 1975 - August 1986. Version 2: September 1986 - August 1993. Version 3: September 1993 - August 2003. Version 4: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the student with information about the interactions of various types of radiations with biologic systems, and the effects they have on these systems. Version 2, 3 or 4: Define fundamental terminology, concepts and principles of cell biology; describe the interactions of various types of radiations with biologic systems and the effects they have on these systems, with special emphasis on the clinical management of cancer.
Instruction: Version 1: Cell; radiation sickness; gene mutations; protection; theory of action; biochemistry; radiomimetic chemicals; cell death and replication; effects of various types of radiation on cells; oxygen enhancement ratios; radiation biologic effectiveness; total body radia­tion; chemotherapy. (Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physio­logy, Physics I, and Oncology.) Version 2, 3 or 4: Cell; radiation sickness; gene mutations; protection; theory of action; biochemistry; radiomimetic chemicals; cell death and replication; effects of various types of radiation on cells; cytotoxicity; oxygen enhancement ratios; radiation biologic effectiveness; total body radiation.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate category, 3 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences or Biology (4/80) (11/88 revalidation). Version 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences or Biology (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation).

1.  Radiation Physics I
2.  Radiation Physics II
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Course 1. 42.5 hours (17 weeks). Course 2. 50 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: September 2003 - Present.*
Objectives: Explain the mechanisms involved in the interaction of radiation and matter; describe the theory of operation of megavoltage treatment units; calculate radiation dose distributions; explain various modes of radioactive decay and principles of brachytherapy.
Instruction: Properties of x-rays and gamma rays; x-ray production; types of x-ray machines; radiation units; radioactive decay; interactions of radiation and matter; dose calculations; principles of brachytherapy; treatment time and treatment dose calculations for implant sources; neutron therapy.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Radiation Physics and 3 semester hours in General Physics (no lab) (6/04 revalidation). NOTE: Credit is recommended only upon completion of both Courses 1 and 2. *NOTE: From September 1981 to August 2003, these courses were recommended for credit as part of a course grouping that included Basic Physics. For further information, please refer to that course title in the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

Radiation Protection
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: 25.5 hours (17 weeks).
Dates: September 2003 - Present.*
Objectives: Explain fundamental principles of radiation protection, and apply these principles in clinical radiation oncology.
Instruction: Properties of X-rays; radiation units of measurement; maximum permissible dose; principles of safety; introduction to radiation detection instruments; protective barriers; acute radiation syndromes; long‑term effects of radiation; protective regulations; emergency procedures; survey of equipment (diagnostic X-ray, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine facilities); dosimetry; brachytherapy.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Allied Health Sciences (6/04 revalidation). *NOTE: A credit recommendation for the material covered in this course was formerly extended to Radiation Protection I and II and prior to that, to Radiation Safety. For further information, please refer to the Retired Courses subsection for this organization.

1.  Treatment Planning I
2.  Treatment Planning II
(Formerly Treatment Planning)
Location: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY.
Length: Courses 1 and 2, Version 1: 30 hours (30 weeks). Courses 1 and 2, Version 2: 60 hours (30 weeks). Courses 1 and 2, Version 3: 90 hours (30 weeks); includes 45 hours of supervised laboratory experience. Course 1, Version 4: 34 hours (17 weeks). Course 2, Version 4: 45 hours (15 weeks).
Dates: Version 1: January 1975 - August 1981. Version 2: September 1981 - August 1993. Version 3: September 1993 - August 2003. Version 4: September 2003 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the student with a quantitative approach to radiation therapy treatment planning. Version 2, 3 or 4: Calculate dose distributions and determine proper machine settings for accurate dose delivery.
Instruction: Version 1: Definition of terms; isodose charts; single and multiple fields; beam modification; dosage calculation; nominal standard dose; rotation therapy; auxiliary devices and use; gap calculations for adjacent fields; critical organ tolerances. (Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology, Physics I, Mathematics, Radia­tion Biology, and Technical Radia­tion Oncology.) Version 2: Definition of terms; isodose charts; single and multiple fields; beam modification; dosage calculation; nominal standard dose; rotation therapy; auxiliary devices and use; gap calculations for adjacent fields; critical organ tolerances; tumor dose calculations; tissue inhomogeneities. Version 3 or 4: Definition of terms; isodose charts; single and multiple fields; beam modification; dosage calculation; rotation therapy; auxiliary devices and use; gap calculations for adjacent fields; critical organ tolerances; tumor dose calculations; tissue inhomogeneities; patient contours.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (4/80) (11/88 revalidation). Version 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Allied Health Sciences (6/94 revalidation) (5/99 revalidation) (6/04 revalidation).

Updated 6/6/05

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