University of Michigan-Flint

Entering the University of Michigan-Flint

Whether you are a new freshman or a transfer student, you must submit an application to the Office of Admissions. They can assist you with gaining acceptance into the University, transferring classes, and familiarizing you with the campus.

 Admission into the Radiation Therapy Program

Once admitted into the University of Michigan-Flint, students must apply to the Radiation Therapy Program. Applications are available in the Department of Public Health & Health Sciences (PHHS), 3124 W.S. White Building. The Radiation Therapy Program Director must receive application materials by May 1 of the calendar year of the intended Summer semester enrollment. Students will be admitted in the Summer term only.

Students applying to the program who are not UM-Flint students at the time of application must also submit a completed UM-Flint application including any transfer transcripts, indicating "Radiation Therapy" as the proposed field of study. Forms to apply for admission to the University are available from the Office of Admissions. The Radiation Therapy program application can be downloaded here: Radiation Therapy Program application, or picked up in 3124 WSW, the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences.

Requirements for Admission into Program:

New! General Education requirements for students entering the University in the Fall of 2010:

A. Completion of all general education and pre-professional courses with a minimum grade of C.

These courses are:

UNV 100* (3)

ENG 112 (3)

BIO 167** (4)

BIO 168** (4)

MTH 111 (3)

MTH 120 (4)

MTH 121 (4)

3 credits in fine arts

3 credits in global studies

PSY 100 (3)

CIS 128 (3)

SOC 100 (3)

PHL 168 (3)

HCR 300 (3)

HCR 304 (3)

HCR 362 (3)

PHY 143** (4)

PHY 145** (4)

MTP 320 (2)

*Only required if transferring 25 or fewer credits.

** Minimum grade of a B- is required for these classes

B. Student observation of 16-20 hours in the University of Michigan Health System Radiation Therapy Department. All clinic observation experiences will be arranged through the Program Director.

C. Acceptance to the University of Michigan-Flint and completion of the Radiation Therapy program application.

D. Three references, one from an individual actively involved in the applicant's educational process, i.e., instructor, advisor, mentor; one from the current supervisor at the applicant's place of employment, and one from an individual commenting on the applicant's character.

E. Self-reported ability to perform all the following technical standards which, after admission, will be documented by a physician:

• Have sufficient strength to assist patients in transferring from a wheelchair, stretcher onto the treatment couch. This will involve lifting at times.
• Have sufficient strength, coordination and dexterity to lift and position cerrobend blocks, electron cones and wedges up to 45 pounds to a height of 5'5
• Have sufficient visual acuity to set machine field size, set monitor units on the machines, align treatment fields in dimly lit room, place blocks, review radiographs, view port films, view DRR's and monitor patients on a close-circuit television during treatment.
• Have sufficient auditory capability to hear warning bells in the treatment rooms and hospital fire alarms, as well as to monitor patients during treatment.
• Be capable of effective and concise verbal communication with patients, their families and other health care workers.
• Be physically, intellectually and emotionally able to respond to emergency situations, providing first aid, CPR and patient care until a physician or nurse arrives.
• Be capable of handling stressful situations, making informed decisions and giving emotional support to patients and their families.
• Be capable of understanding and applying clinical instructions given from departmental personnel.

Admissions Process:

Depending on the number of annual applicants, the Program reserves the right to interview twice as many applicants as there are clinical seats available.  The Program can accommodate up to 10 students, depending upon clinical site availability; therefore the interviews will be limited to 20 applicants.

The applicants will be chosen for interviews based on the following criterion:

Overall GPA

GPA for MTP 320

GPA for BIO 167 and BIO 168

GPA for PHY 143 and PHY 145

Completion of Observation Hours

Completion of all prerequisites. 

Submission of all required application materials, including three references.  Preference will be given to applicants with Academic, Character and Employment references from unrelated individuals.

Applicants for the Program will be evaluated on the above criteria as well as:

Interview scores

Writing sample evaluation by an independent evaluator

The Interview Process For The Radiation Therapy Program

1. Please report 15 minutes before your interview time to the Health Sciences and Administration Department. You may be asked to wait in our sitting area. We may already be with another student and will be with you shortly.

2. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. There will be three to five people on the Radiation Therapy Interview Committee. You will be asked approximately 12 to 16 questions involving information about yourself, your interest in Radiation Therapy, your work and life experiences, your radiation oncology observations, and qualifications.

3. Applicants will be reviewed for communication skills and the ability to deal with stressful situations, their awareness of the duties of a radiation therapist, and overall characteristics that would be most beneficial for the applicant to possess.

4. The applicants are notified within two weeks of their interview through the Radiation Therapy Department first by email, and then by mail.

Once admitted into the program the student must earn a minimum grade of a B- in all courses.

Prior to beginning the clinical component of the program, the student is required to have a complete physical. The completed Program Physical Form will be kept in the office of the School nurse. Immunizations must be up to date and documented on the physical form. Students must maintain current CPR certification while in the program.