Program Requirements: Radiation Therapy Track

To embark on your journey as a radiation therapist, you’ll need to meet the following program requirements:

1. Complete at least 90 semester credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.800 at Benedictine University. This coursework will provide you with a solid foundation in the scientific principles and clinical applications of radiation therapy.
2. Apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for the clinical education curriculum in your junior year. The admissions process is competitive, so ensure you demonstrate strong academic performance and a keen interest in the field of radiation therapy.
3. Successfully complete the 12-month, 33-semester-credit-hour clinical education curriculum at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in your senior year. This rigorous clinical training will equip you with the hands-on skills and experience necessary to become a proficient radiation therapist.

Eligibility for National Registry Examination

Upon successful completion of the Radiation Therapy program at Benedictine University, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Registry Examination in Radiation Therapy administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Passing this exam is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed and certified radiation therapist.

Transfer Student Requirements

If you’re transferring from another institution, you must complete at least 30 semester credit hours at Benedictine University to be considered an affiliate in the application process for the clinical education curriculum. This ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the rigorous clinical training program.

Career opportunities with a clinical laboratory science degree:

A clinical laboratory science degree opens doors to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Here are some of the potential career paths you can pursue with this qualification:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist: This is the most common career path for clinical laboratory science graduates. Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, perform a variety of laboratory tests on blood and body fluids to help diagnose and monitor diseases. They work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and other healthcare settings.

Clinical Microbiology Specialist: Clinical microbiology specialists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. They work in hospital laboratories to identify and characterize bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that cause infections. They also develop and implement antibiotic resistance monitoring programs.

Clinical Chemistry Specialist: Clinical chemistry specialists analyze blood and body fluids to measure the levels of various chemicals, such as enzymes, hormones, and electrolytes. These measurements can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Blood Bank Specialist: Blood bank specialists work in blood banks to ensure the safe and effective collection, storage, and distribution of blood and blood products. They perform blood typing and compatibility testing, and they also work with donors and patients to ensure that the blood supply is safe and adequate.

Hematology Specialist: Hematology specialists specialize in the study of blood cells and blood disorders. They perform tests to measure the number, size, and shape of blood cells, and they also investigate disorders such as anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.

These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available with a clinical laboratory science degree. With your strong foundation in laboratory science principles, technical skills, and patient care, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling career in healthcare.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Clinical Laboratory Science program:

• Clinical Microbiology
• Immunoserology
• Immunohematology
• Clinical Microscopy/Urinalysis
• Coagulation

Clinical Laboratory Science Courses (CLSC)

Lisle undergraduate course descriptions

Mesa undergraduate course descriptions

Requirements – Clinical Laboratory Sciences Track

Academic Requirements

Complete at least 90 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.800 at Benedictine University.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all science courses.

Clinical Education Requirements

Apply for admission to Edward Hines Jr. V.A. Hospital, our clinical educational program affiliate hospital, during the junior year by December 1.
Successfully complete a 12-month, 32-semester-credit-hour clinical education curriculum in the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Additional Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required for admission to the Edward Hines Jr. V.A. Hospital clinical program.
The admissions process for the clinical education program is competitive.

Principles of Participation

Most healthcare professional schools do not require that you study a specific academic major. Many students choose Health Science or Biology because there is significant overlap of major courses and prerequisites. However, we recommend that if you have a passion in another area, you can and should major in that area. Graduates who do this find they can incorporate this area of passion into their professional life for a more satisfying career. In addition to your academic (major) advisor, all pre-health profession students should work with a pre-health advisor to guide you in choosing courses that are required for entry into the medical or other healthcare professional school of your choice. Your pre-health advisor will also work with you to ensure that your extracurricular activities are appropriate for successful admission to a healthcare professional program.

The Office of Pre-Health Professions Programs is responsible for supporting students interested in a health profession career. The office is the primary advising center within the University for the health professions and provides career information to students interested in medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, veterinary science, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. This office also coordinates health profession practica. Additional programs are available in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy through the Bachelor of Arts in Biology program, and prepare students for progression into Rush University’s MS in Respiratory Care.

Benedictine students and alumni interested in a health professional school after graduation and who meet the criteria are eligible to participate in the HPRC process.

Should you have any questions, please contact Karen Mulacek, the HPRC Coordinator.

Visit the HPRC page