FINAL PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR IN RADIATION THERAPY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE. Submitted by:

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1 FINAL PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR IN RADIATION THERAPY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Submitted by: Radiologic and Imaging Sciences College of Health Professions Grand Valley State University January 2, 2009

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary.. 2 Figure 1 Structure of Undergraduate Majors in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Description of the Proposed Major in Radiation Therapy 7 Summary of Radiation Therapy Coursework.. 9 Figure 2 Suggested Pattern of Coursework: Radiation Therapy Major Comparison to Programs at Other Institutions 12 Desirability of the Program. 13 The Need For the Program. 13 Interest in the Program Needs Assessment Student Interest Survey 14 Role of the Program.. 14 Evidence of Program Quality. 14 Letters of Support. 16 Staffing needs.. 16 Physical resources Accreditation Requirements.. 17 Financial Implications of the Program.. 17 Table 1 Budget Summary Budget Description Radiation Therapy Laboratory Program Implementation Time-table Impact upon Existing Units or Programs.. 21 Appendices... A Radiation and Imaging Sciences Catalog Copy B Radiation Therapy Major Outcomes Assessment Plan C Letters of Support D Accreditation Documents 2

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This final plan for the Development of a Major in Radiation Therapy leading to a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy is part of a three-part curriculum proposal to develop three new majors in the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences unit. The three new majors are Radiation Therapy, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. A curriculum for the Radiation Therapy Program was approved in 2005 but was never implemented. This final plan is for Radiation Therapy only. Radiation Therapy is a Radiologic and Imaging Sciences specialty that is one of the disciplines of radiation oncology. Radiation Therapy is considered an entry-level profession in that students may enter GVSU without previous college experience and complete the entire B.S. degree program in four years, at which time they are eligible to sit for the national board examination and enter the profession. Radiation therapists practice in a cooperative effort between medical and radiation oncology physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists, oncology nurses, and dietitians. Radiation Therapists are responsible for accurately recording, interpreting, and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. During treatment, therapists help physicians use fluoroscopy, x-ray films or CT scans to localize and outline anatomical areas requiring treatment. These responsibilities require highly specialized clinical skills as well as complex critical thinking in order to effectively contribute to the team approach to patient treatment. Radiologic and Imaging Sciences is a nationally recognized term for a grouping of nearly two dozen medical specialties devoted to diagnostic and therapeutic uses of various types of radiations (ionizing, acoustic, and radiofrequencies). Many of these specialties have national programmatic accreditation available. To date, GVSU has achieved accreditation in four of the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences programs from two different agencies. Figure 1 illustrates the specialties relationships to one another. Students in the radiation therapy major receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences in both existing and emerging radiation therapy practices and procedures, including treatment planning, CT and Tomotherapy simulation, quality assurance, brachytherapy, external beam therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, intraoperative procedures, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and total body irradiation. It is our desire to establish a specific Radiation Therapy major within the umbrella of Radiation and Imaging Sciences in order to create an entry level baccalaureate degree major focused solely on Radiation Therapy. 3

4 The major reasons for the proposed Radiation Therapy major include: Radiation Therapy has been recognized as a stand alone imaging profession since More importantly, this major provides radiation therapists with appropriate academic credentials that will permit them to pursue graduate education in their profession, including dosimetry, medical physics, education, and management. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers national registration in radiation therapy. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) recognized (granted accreditation) to the GVSU Radiation Therapy program in May Of 81 JRCERT accredited programs, only 27 are baccalaureate. There are five accredited Radiation Therapy programs in Michigan, all are baccalaureate degrees and all but GVSU are located east of Lansing. This major will provide a new workforce supply of appropriately credentialed radiation therapists. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook states that employment of radiation therapists is expected to increase by about 25 percent through 2016, which is faster than average for all occupations. As the U.S. population grows and an increasing share of it is in the older age groups, the number of people needing treatment is expected to increase and to spur demand for radiation therapists. In addition, as radiation technology advances and is able to treat more types of cancer, radiation therapy may be prescribed more often. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also says that in addition to job openings from growth, some openings will arise from the need to replace radiation therapists who retire or leave the occupation permanently for some other reason. Repeated practice leads to musculoskeletal disorders in many practitioners. Pain from these disorders has made it difficult for some radiation therapists to perform well over time. Some are forced to leave the occupation early because of these disorders. Figure 1 presents the structure of the undergraduate programs within Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. This figure includes the programs that have received national programmatic accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) (Radiation Therapy) and the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS), which is a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) agency, (General Concentration, Adult Echocardiography Concentration, and Vascular Sonography Concentration). The university already employs full time faculty with appropriate credentials for each of these majors. Page 8 provides an overview/summary of the course requirements for these new majors, including Radiologic and Imaging Sciences core courses, which are common to more than one major. 4

5 Closing Comment The creation of a Radiation Therapy Major comes at a time when there is a first ever movement toward graduate degrees and mid-level clinical practitioner professions in the United States. GVSU has an opportunity to become not only a state wide force, but also one of a select few national leaders in the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences through the implementation of this series of undergraduate degrees that encompass a full range of specialties in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The college believes that approval of these curriculum proposals is essential to allow the College of Health Professions to grow and meet the expectations of the university, our stakeholders, and members of our community. 5

6 Figure 1 Structure of Undergraduate Majors in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Radiation Therapy Major Diagnostic Medical Sonography Major Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Major General Emphasis Abdominal Concentration Obstetrics- Gynecology Concentration Advanced Radiologic Sciences Concentration Computed Tomography Concentration Mammography & Bone Densitometry Concentration Echocardiography & Vascular Sonography Emphasis Adult Echocardiography Concentration Pediatric Echocardiography Concentration Breast Ultrasound Concentration Cardiac Interventional Technology Concentration Vascular Interventional Technology Concentration Quality Management Concentration Vascular Sonography Concentration Clinical Education Concentration Clinical Supervision Concentration Breast Ultrasound Emphasis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Concentration 6

7 Description of the Proposed Major in Radiation Therapy Radiation Therapy is one of several programs currently housed under the single Radiologic and Imaging Sciences designation. Because of the plethora of diverse specialties that have evolved over the years, this structure is not appropriate. Not only will the exact designation of the major remain unclear to prospective students, but simply communicating to the professional academic and clinical communities regarding the field of Radiation Therapy that is now available at GVSU makes the changes in this proposal essential. The GVSU offerings in Radiation Therapy currently include a major deficiency: The program is hidden within Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, such that students coming to campus (especially those in the health sciences and health professions) may have difficulty locating this program. Therefore, we propose: 1. To elevate the Radiation Therapy emphasis area to a major with a name that clearly delineates the profession within Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. 2. To revise the content of the current curriculum to reflect the initiative to reduce the B.S. degree requirements from the current 138 semester hours to a total much closer to the 120 semester hours that will be more likely to produce graduates within four years of entering GVSU. 3. To revise the curriculum currently offered to meet the standards published as the Radiation Therapy Curriculum Guide of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This curriculum guide meets the standards of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 4. To maintain correlation with the current radiologic and imaging sciences core curriculum while creating key courses that provide expanded knowledge in radiation therapy. 5. To continue providing approximately 1,300 contact hours of clinical education for all students to continue to meet accreditation requirements of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. These changes do not add a new program, but rather transform the current emphasis into a major. The following pages summarize the proposed Radiation Therapy major. 7

8 Basic Skills (10 to 13 hours) Summary of Radiation Therapy Coursework MTH 122 WRT 150 SWS course (may include hours in gen ed) Junior writing assessment (or WRT 305) 3 hours 4 hours 3 hours 3 hours General Education Requirements: 33 hours Recommended General Education SOC 280 PSY 101 BMS 202 MTH 122 B.S. Cognates (10 hrs) STA 215 Statistics BMS 202 Anatomy & Physiology SS 300 Research Methods in the Social Sciences or PSY 300 Research Methods in Psychology or HPR 301 Inquiry Into Evidence Based Practice or BMS 301 Introduction to Research in Biomedical Sciences (note: STA 215 is a pre-requisite for these 4 research courses) 3 hours 4 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Core Courses (13 semester hours) RIS 441 Gross Human Sectional Anatomy 4 RI 401 Computer Applications 3 RIS 310 Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Management 3 RIS 320 Principles of Radiologic Imaging Sciences 3 Radiation Therapy Major Courses (54 hrs) RIS 322 Radiation Protection Physics 2 RIT 330 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices I 4 RIT 331 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices I Lab 1 8

9 RIT 420 Radiation Therapy Physics I 2 RIT 332 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices II 3 RIT 333 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices II Lab 1 RIT 361 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed I 2 RIT 362 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed II 4 RIT 422 Radiation Therapy Physics II 2 RIT 430 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices III 3 RIT 431 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices III Lab 1 RIT 460 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed III 3 RIT 470 Rad Therapy Treatment Planning 2 RIT 471 Rad Therapy Treatment Planning Lab 1 RIS 424 Computed Tomography Instrumentation 2 RIT 322 Radiation Biology 2 RIT 432 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices IV 3 RIT 433 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices IV Lab 1 RIT 461 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed IV 3 RIT 472 Intro to Medical Dosimetry 2 RIT 473 Intro to Medical Dosimetry Lab 1 RIT 495 Advanced Clinical Problems in Radiation Therapy (Capstone) 3 RIS 458 Neoplastic CRIS 3 RIS 452 Gastrointestinal & Genitourinary CRIS 3 CRIS = Clinical Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Basic Skills Gen Ed B.S. Cognate RIS Core Radiation Therapy Major area Total hours 33 hours 10 hours 13 hours 54 hours hours 9

10 Figure 2. Suggested Pattern of Coursework: Radiation Therapy Major Freshman Fall Semester Sem Credit Hrs HPR 111 Medical Terminology 2 MTH 122 College Algebra 3 WRT 150 Strategies in Writing 4 General Education Theme Elective 3 General Education Elective (Historical Persp suggested) 3 15 Freshman Winter Semester Sem Credit Hrs BMS 202 Anatomy & Physiology 4 MTH 123 Trigonometry (if needed for GVSU physics) 3 PSY 101 Introductory Psychology 3 SOC 280 Social Problems 3 General Education Elective (World Perspective suggested) 3 16 Sophomore Fall Semester Sem Credit Hrs *STA 215 Statistics 3 BMS 208 Human Anatomy 3 PHY 220 General Physics I 5 General Education Theme Elective 3 14 Sophomore Winter Semester Sem Credit Hrs *One of the following 3 SS 300 Research Methods in the Social Sciences PSY 300 Research Methods in Psychology HPR 301 Inquiry Into Evidence Based Practice BMS 301 Introduction to Research in Biomedical Sciences BMS 309 Lab in Human Anatomy 1 General Education Theme Elective 3 General Education Elective (Philosophy & Lit suggested) 3 General Education Elective (Arts suggested) 3 13 Junior Fall Semester Sem Credit Hrs *RI 401 Computer Applications 3 RIS 322 Radiation Protection Physics 2 *RIS 458 Neoplastic Clinical Rad/Imaging Sci 3 RIT 330 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices I 4 RIT 331 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices I Lab

11 Junior Winter Semester Sem Credit Hrs *RIS 320 Principles of Rad Imaging Sciences 3 *RIS 441 Gross Human Sectional Anatomy 4 RIT 420 Radiation Therapy Physics I 2 RIT 332 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices II 3 RIT 333 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices II Lab 1 RIT 361 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed I 2 15 Junior Spring/Summer Semester Sem Credit Hrs RIT 362 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed II 4 4 Senior Fall Semester Sem Credit Hrs *RIS 452 GI/GU Clinical Rad/Imaging Sci 3 RIT 422 Radiation Therapy Physics II 2 RIT 430 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices III 3 RIT 431 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices III Lab 1 RIT 460 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed III 3 RIT 470 Rad Therapy Treatment Planning 2 RIT 471 Rad Therapy Treatment Planning Lab 1 RIS 424 Computed Tomography Instrumentation 2 17 Senior Winter Semester Sem Credit Hrs *RIS 310 Rad & Imaging Sci Management 3 RIT 322 Radiation Biology 2 RIT 432 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices IV 3 RIT 433 Radiation Therapy Principles & Practices IV Lab 1 RIT 461 Radiation Therapy Clinical Ed IV 3 RIT 472 Intro to Medical Dosimetry 2 RIT 473 Intro to Medical Dosimetry Lab 1 RIT 495 Advanced Clinical Problems in Radiation Therapy (Capstone)

12 Comparison to Programs at Other Institutions All Radiation Therapy programs in the United States must be accredited if students are to become eligible for the national certification examinations of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Although not all programs are at the same academic level, all programs in Michigan are currently at the baccalaureate level. This means that all programs must meet the same minimum curricular standards, which the GVSU program does as evidenced by the programmatic accreditation it holds from the JRCERT. The program has five mission level objectives, which are: The graduate will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge in appropriate didactic areas and integrate this knowledge into competency-based clinical experience. 2. Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze clinical radiation oncology data in order to prove high quality patient care. 3. Engage in scholarly endeavors focused on providing superior quality radiation oncology care to patients. 4. Communicate and collaborate effectively with respect for human diversity. 5. Value and participate in continuing education, community service, and scholarly endeavors as part of a lifelong commitment toward personal and professional growth. Each of these objectives are common to all majors in the radiologic and imaging sciences and are stated in the JRCERT Standards for an Educational Program in Radiation Therapy except the last, which clearly differentiates the GVSU program as more advanced and holding higher expectations of graduates than most other programs. This is congruent with GVSU mission statements and is intended to produce graduates with a global perspective on their profession as evidenced through participation in professional continuing education, community service, and scholarly endeavors. The radiation therapy major has developed a student handbook with policies, assessment details, and a plethora of other information regarding didactic, laboratory, and clinical aspects of the major. A copy of this document constitutes Appendix A. More importantly, the GVSU curriculum has the advantage of the use of a well equipped Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning laboratory, that includes donated software from both of the major manufacturers of these computerized systems. This laboratory is operated by a qualified medical physicist who performs dosimetry for radiation therapy patients in a local clinical facility. This allows the Radiation Therapy program to offer students a full series of two courses with two laboratories throughout their senior year in the program. This experience provides students with considerable expertise in treatment planning that essentially elevates their clinical skills above those of the other B.S. programs in the state. To date, three graduates of the program have been accepted to one of the premier Medical Dosimetry programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This is a prestigious achievement and has resulted in GVSU alumni returning to Grand Rapids to provide this advanced clinical skill to local radiation oncology centers. 12

13 Desirability of the Program The Need for the Program The creation of a Radiation Therapy Major comes at a time when there is a first ever movement toward graduate degrees and mid-level clinical practitioner professions in the United States. GVSU now has a programmatically accredited Radiation Therapy program. GVSU has opportunity to become not only a state wide force, but also one of a select few national leaders in the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences through the implementation of this major as one of a series of undergraduate degrees that encompass a full range of specialties in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The College believes that the approval of this major is essential to allow the College of Health Professions to grow and meet the expectations of the university, our stakeholders, and members of our community. Employment opportunities and salaries are very good for this profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook cites the median annual earnings for radiation therapists at $66,170 with a range from $54,170 and more than $92,110. The Handbook also states that employment of radiation therapists is expected to increase by about 25 percent through 2016, which is faster than average for all occupations. As the U.S. population grows and an increasing share of it is in the older age groups, the number of people needing treatment is expected to increase and to spur demand for radiation therapists. In addition, as radiation technology advances and is able to treat more types of cancer, radiation therapy will be prescribed more often. Additional job growth is expected as experienced radiation therapists may advance to manage radiation therapy programs in treatment centers or other health care facilities. Managers generally continue to treat patients while taking on management responsibilities. Other advancement opportunities include teaching, technical sales, and research. With additional training and certification, therapists also can become dosimetrists, who use complex mathematical formulas to calculate proper radiation doses. In addition to job openings from growth, some openings will arise from the need to replace radiation therapists who retire or leave the occupation permanently for some other reason. Repeated practice leads to musculoskeletal disorders in many practitioners. Pain from these disorders has made it difficult for some radiation therapists to perform well over time. Some are forced to leave the occupation early because of these musculoskeletal disorders. A need for educated and skilled professionals is needed now more than ever. The need for a major in Radiation Therapy is evident nationally and even more so for western Michigan, as all programs in the state are in the southeastern sector. Interest in the Program Currently there are 174 students enrolled as freshmen or sophomores at GVSU who have declared themselves Radiologic and Imaging Sciences majors. A large number of these students have indicated an interest in pursuing a degree that includes many of the classes that contribute

14 to graduate school or professional programs, and are interested in pursuing a degree in Radiation Therapy. These are students better served by a stand-alone major. In addition, student interest in the radiologic and imaging sciences professions is growing, as evidenced by the increasing inquiries to faculty, growing attendance at College of Health Professions open house events, and increasing involvement with local community colleges. However, due to the limited visibility of our program, many students are not even aware of the major. Needs Assessment- Student Interest Survey In an effort to gain student feedback regarding interest in the proposed Radiation Therapy major, we are holding an open house in the fall semester to assist the College of Health Professions advising center clarify how many of the ~175 students indicating preliminary interest are specifically focused on radiation therapy. In there were 35 qualified applicants for this program. Role of the Program The Radiation Therapy major will seek to serve the students of Grand Valley State University by providing the theoretical foundation for clinical practice in this profession. We currently hold affiliation agreements with a wide range of radiation oncology centers throughout western Michigan and have commitments from these clinical education centers to provide clinical experiences for GVSU radiation therapy students through April The strength of the major is focused not only on its ability to provide hands-on clinical experience to students with patients in radiation oncology centers, but also provides students with the ability to value and participate in continuing education, community service, and scholarly endeavors as part of a lifelong commitment toward personal and professional growth. The development of the radiation therapy major will serve to provide a more appropriate home for students interested in the radiation therapy profession. Evidence of Program Quality As per the current strategic and assessment plan, program quality will be assessed in a variety of ways. The most important national gold standard has already been achieved through programmatic accreditation by the JRCERT. As with most accreditation agencies, there is a strong focus on outcomes assessment and the GVSU Radiologic and Imaging Sciences majors have a detailed plan in progress that assesses all major objectives of the emphases. This includes assessment not only of the GVSU curriculum, facilities, faculty, and students, but also surveys stakeholders through annual employer surveys and advisory committee meetings, as well as annual alumni surveys. The results of this data are regularly employed to facilitate changes in program operation. Appendix B is a copy of the radiation therapy outcomes assessment document that is in operation and has been accepted by the JRCERT. 14

15 Program Goals The graduate of the radiation therapy program will be able to: 1. Perform beyond minimum entry-level radiation therapist skills according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists scope of practice for the radiation therapist, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapy Professional Curriculum, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists content specifications for the Examination in Radiation Therapy, and the minimum Standards for An Accredited Educational Program in the Radiologic Sciences of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This includes, but is not limited to the ability to: a. chart records of treatment administered b. calculate of treatment times and radiation doses c. correlate topographical and cross-sectional anatomy in localization of anatomical structures and treatment sites. d. explain principles of radiation physics applied in the practice of radiation therapy technology e. operate radiation producing equipment in all phases of treatment set-up and delivery f. deliver a course of radiation therapy following the physician's prescription and the planned method of delivery g. interpret isodose summations and treatment plans prepared by hand or by computer for the set-up of the patient and the delivery of the treatment prescription h. utilize treatment accessories in the delivery of a planned treatment i. verify correctness of delivery and provision of consistent daily treatment set-up j. recognize and correct errors in calculation and/or delivery of a course of treatment k. select appropriate immobilization and beam directional devices l. apply common radionuclide sources for brachytherapy m. perform machine calibration and quality assurance testing n. detect malfunctioning equipment and act to insure the safety of patients and personnel o. perform procedures for protection from sources of radiation exposure p. provide basic patient nursing care and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation q. select appropriate psychological support mechanism and interact daily with the patient under treatment r. perceive patterns of physical and emotional stress exhibited by cancer patients s. recognize patient clinical progress, symptoms of disease progression, the complications and side-effects of a treatment course t. consult with physicians as appropriate for total quality care of the patient u. assist with a program of continuing patient care or follow-up v. interact in a professional manner with other health care personnel involved in the treatment of the patient 2. Meet professional specifications established for national registration by the A.R.R.T. in radiation therapy technology. 15

16 3. Build upon sound principles of general education by learning how to communicate well, think analytically, be intellectually adaptive, integrate knowledge and experience from different disciplines, apply ethical standards and values to the practice of radiation therapy technology, and appreciate social and cultural diversity. 4. Function as an active member of the health care team. 5. Participate in the advancement of knowledge through research. 6. Engage in lifelong learning and service From a curricular standpoint, to date, three graduates of the program have been accepted to one of the premier Medical Dosimetry programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This program usually requires three or four years of full time clinical experience as a matriculation requirement, but all the GVSU applicants have had this requirement waived due to their math grades and treatment planning laboratory work. Letters of Support In an effort to gain support as well as advice concerning the elevated major, we asked key individuals to examine the curriculum and provide comments. Based on comments from each, we have made particular programmatic changes. Letters of support comprise Appendix C. Tewfik Bichay, Ph.D, Director of Radiation Oncology Services, Lacks Cancer Center, St. Mary s Medical Center, Grand Rapids, MI Dr. Bichay made many specific comments regarding the Radiation Therapy program at GVSU. These included the creation of the treatment planning laboratories to correlate to the didactic coursework, the inclusion of students in clinical research projects, and the focus on specific prerequisite course requirements for matriculation into the program. Tim Strickler, from GVSU s anatomy department consulted on both prerequisite and RIS core curriculum in anatomy, specifically our sectional anatomy courses. Through him we have developed a good combination of gross anatomy laboratory work on the Allendale Campus and didactic and clinical correlative materials at the Center for Health Sciences laboratories. Staffing needs Currently we have two tenure track Radiation Therapists (Bonita Pawloski and Julie Hollenbeck) who teach the primary upper division coursework within the major. We also employ a rotating series of four medical physicists as adjunct faculty to teach the radiation physics and treatment planning courses and labs. We do not anticipate any additional faculty. This staffing plan has been reviewed and approved by the JRCERT on two occasions (in 2005 and 2008) and was approved in the GVSU 2000 Final Plan. 16

17 Physical Resources In addition to didactic instruction, students receive demonstrations, extensive practice, and a complete competency based evaluation of their ability to perform the set ups and procedures required of clinical radiation therapists. This is followed by a parallel clinical competency evaluation system that requires students to utilize a modified mastery learning system to perform all procedures required by the ARRT for eligibility. This is achieved through student performed set up procedures on patients receiving radiation therapy at our clinical education sites throughout western Michigan. Accreditation Requirements The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) recognized (fully accredited) by the GVSU Radiation Therapy program in May The JRCERT is a programmatic accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Of 81 JRCERT accredited programs nationwide, only 27 are baccalaureate. There are five accredited Radiation Therapy programs in Michigan, all are baccalaureate degrees and all except GVSU are located east of Lansing. The JRCERT utilizes an outcomes-based Standards document that is endorsed by the major national professional organizations in radiation therapy. The academic program prepares a selfstudy document, which is submitted with an application for re-accreditation as the first phase of the process. This is followed by a two day site visit that includes not only GVSU but the clinical education sites as well. The site visit is followed by a Report of Findings, to which the university must respond. These documents are then provided to the JRCERT Board of Trustees, which reviews them before rendering an accreditation decision. Accreditation documents comprise Appendix D. Financial Implications of the Program Table 1 outlines the budgetary implications of the program, along with estimated income and expenses. We have attempted to include present expenses as well, since we have an existing program. 17

18 Table 1 PROJECTED BUDGET SUMMARY PERSONNEL AND STUDENTS EMPLOYEES New Faculty (FTE): STUDENTS First Year Second year t Third d t year Fourth year Total t d Enrollment t PROGRAM COSTS BUDGET ITEM Personnel: Graduate ACSSM: i t t 14,400 15,100 15,800 16,600 17,500 *Equipment: 55,000 Accreditation Fees: 1,000 1,000 3,000 1,000 1,000 Library: Instructional Technology: TOTAL: $ $ $ $ $ Estimated Personnel costs New Total 135, , , , , , , , , ,735 REVENUE FROM STUDENT TUITION Tuition: $5878^ average/yr/student 182, , , , ,608 * Periodic or one-time expenditure, not annual increases ^ Average junior & senior year tuition estimate for this major - does not consider tuition increases after academic year 18

19 We have reviewed these budget totals and believe they are reasonable estimates. Gayle R. Davis, Provost Roy H. Olsson, Jr., Dean, College of Health Professions Lee Van Orsdel, Director of the Library Sue Korzinek, Information Technology 19

20 Budget Description Faculty (FTE) This major will require 2 full time, tenure track faculty members that teach solely within the Radiation Therapy major with physics and some other supporting courses taught by additional adjunct faculty. We do not anticipate any additional faculty needs to support this program. Projected Enrollment The current program size is 26. With the increased visibility of the program, we anticipate approximately a 10-15% increase in enrollments through each of the next 5 years. It is important to realize that the JRCERT places rigid limitations on the number of students who can be assigned to a clinical education site based on patient case load, equipment, and qualified professional staff available for supervision of students. Vice-Provost Jean Nagelkerk continues to work with the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences to expand the number of clinical education sites and the quantity of students placed annually. With the addition of tenure track faculty member Julie Hollenbeck this past July, there is no longer a limit of five clinical education sites. Therefore the program expanded to 8 clinical education sites this past fall and will continue on this trend. The program is currently holding invitations for student placements from additional clinical education sites for the upcoming admission of the class next fall. We anticipate enrolling 36 students in the program by year Graduate Personnel There are no plans to add any graduate personnel. CSSM We do not request any additions to the CSSM budget for this major. Accreditation This major is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Annual costs are ~$1,000 per year with variations depending on the number of clinical education centers in use at the time. A site visit usually costs ~$2,000. Instructional The primary instructional need for the Radiation Therapy major will be maintaining the simulator unit in CHS 415. These costs vary from year to year but averages approximately $7,000 per year. We anticipate the continued donations of treatment planning equipment and software from local clinical education sites and vendors. We have a five year success record of these donations with the most recent coming in September Equipment Replacement of the radiation therapy simulation unit installed in CHS 415 is anticipated in approximately four years. We anticipate replacement with a used unit in the $55,000 range. These units cost slightly over half a million when new but experience rapid depreciation. Radiation Therapy Laboratory Introduction The GVSU Radiation Therapy Laboratory was established in 2003 in CHS 415 in anticipation of the start of the program. Since that time the laboratory has served as a national model level facility and has hosted a wide range of visitors from other radiation therapy programs inquiring 20

21 about expense, equipment acquisition and installation, and curricular procedures. Indiana University Northwest built a laboratory facility based on the GVSU model and several others are currently working toward that end. We have begun to search for a donation of a newer simulator unit, but do not yet have any offers. Anticipated costs to replace the current simulator are about $55,000. Program Implementation Time-table Currently, all of the new courses are being added to the schedule of classes for a target of Fall Students in the radiation therapy major will be able to complete their program as shown in the catalog, with changes scheduled for phasing in. Implementation Timetable Summer 2008 Fall 2008 Fall 2008 Winter 2009 Fall 2009 Development of Curricular Changes Development of Final Plan Final Plan Submission to DCC and approval of plan and courses UCC, Senate, and provost approval of Final Plan Implementation of full program Course Transition Plan AY AY Retain current major emphasis area for current students. Students admitted in 2009 take new curricular plan. This is the phase in year with juniors on the new curriculum while seniors complete the old curriculum. Phase in complete for both junior and senior years. Impact on Existing Units or Programs Impact Within the Unit This plan calls for a seamless phase in of the new curriculum beginning in the fall of 2009 with the incoming junior class. By fall 2010 all the new courses will be in place and the phase-in completed. Impact Outside the Unit We do not anticipate any impact outside the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences unit as none of the cognates, general education requirements, or prerequisite courses are planned for change in this proposal. 21

22 Appendix A Radiation and Imaging Sciences Catalog Copy 22