Prerequisites

Radiation Biology major only or permission of instructor.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will introduce the students to the twelve major cancers. Topics to be covered for each cancer include etiology, epidemiology, detection, diagnosis, and prevention as well as the psychosocial aspects of being diagnosed with cancer. The course will also discuss the major treatment modalities for each cancer including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, and the use of clinical trials. The goals and objectives of the course will be met through the use of various teaching tools including but not limited to: models, videos, guest lectures, radiation therapy departmental tour, and a poster project with a presentation component. Cognitive assessment of the students will be accomplished through quizzes, exams and an oral presentation.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will serve as a detailed introduction to the medical dosimetry profession and how it fits into the Radiation Oncology department framework. The professional relationships, responsibilities and qualifications of the medical dosimetrist and other staff will be examined. The scope of practice and code of ethics from the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) will be discussed in detail as well as the role of other professional organizations. The policies and procedures governing the medical dosimetry program in relation to the standards set by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) will also be reviewed. Other topics to be covered in order to prepare students for entry into their clinical rotations will include radiation safety, patient rights, privacy laws, infection control and an overview of department workflow starting from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Finally, students will receive detailed instruction on basic hand calculations as these will form the basis of the start of their clinical rotations in the following semester.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Acceptance into the clinical track or post bac program.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will serve an an introduction to the role of the radiation therapist and medical dosimetrist in a Radiation Oncology department. Through a combination of detailed lectures, discussions, role-playing, case studies, and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will be introduced to the professional and clinical aspects of their respective professions. Additional topics included radiation safety, patients rights, infection control, communication for the clinic, patient assessment, and psychosocial aspects of cancer including death and dying.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 101; Acceptance into clinical track or post-bac program

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will combine hands-on laboratory exercises, case studies, detailed lectures and discussions to introduce the student to radiation therapy. Topics to be covered include: history of x-rays, x-ray production, professional societies, departmental staff and structure, proper body mechanics, infection control, basic nursing/patient care and emergency procedures, patient communication, medical chart interpretation, linear accelerator operation, radiation safety, basic radiation therapy treatment techniques, basic medical terminology, and death and dying.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

BIO 204 and MS 200

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Through a systems-based approach, this course will review anatomy and physiology while teaching medical terminology. This course will also discuss the major cancers associated with each anatomical system and introduce the student to radiation therapy treatment techniques and procedures.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 301

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course is a continuation of MS 301. Through the same didactic approach, the course will cover all of the anatomical systems and their related medical terminology NOT covered in MS 301.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 302

Course Credits

3.00

Description

For the senior radiation therapy student, through a systems-based approach, this course will emphasize advanced radiation treatment techniques, including patient simulation, immobilization, contouring, and beam modification. The course will also cover radiation therapy quality assurance, medical law, and medical ethics.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 301 and MS L301

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Student radiation therapists and student dosimetrists will spend fourteen weeks (full-time, 40 hrs/wk) gaining hands-on patient care experience in the Department of Radiation Oncology at our clinical affiliates. Under constant supervision by licensed therapists and certified medical dosimetrists, the student will be guided toward the application of theory in the real world of cancer treatment and planning.

Term Offered

Summer

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

PHYS 112, BIO 111, and MATH 134 or higher AND MS L315 CONCURRENTLY

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Content is designed to establish a thorough knowledge of the radiation physics used in radiation therapy treatments. Topics to be covered in this course include a review of basic physics (energy, mass, matter, SI units), structure of matter, types of radiations, nuclear transformations, radioactive decay, the fundamentals of x-ray generators and x-ray production, interactions of x and gamma rays with matter, absorbed dose, measurements of dose, principles of and practical use of ionization chambers and electrometers, Geiger counters and other survey meters, principles and practical use of TLDs, film, calorimetery, scintillation detectors, radiation protection and quality assurance.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 315

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is intended to expand on the concepts and theories presented in Radiation Physics I. It will provide a detailed analysis of the treatment units used in external beam radiation therapy, their beam geometry, basic dose calculations and dose distributions. This course will also cover the principles, theories, and uses of brachytherapy. This course was previously MS 412

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 315;MSL415 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course will discuss the factors that influence treatment planning and govern the clinical aspects of patient treatment. Topics to be covered include treatment planning with 3-D CT and MRI beams, isodose plan descriptions, clinical applications of treatment beams and advanced dosimetric calculations. This course will also contrast new emerging technologies with conventional radiation therapy techniques (SRT, SRS, IMRT, Image Guided Therapy, Respiratory Gating).

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take BIO 403, MS 315 and MS L315.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Topics covered include: physio-chemical aspects of energy absorption, the sequence of events after irradiation occurring on the molecular, cellular and organized tissue levels, radiation response and repair of eukaryotic cells, effects of radiation quality, dose rate, environmental conditions, cell cycle kinetics, tumor and normal cell population dynamics, radiation-induced carcinogenesis and mutagenesis, tumor pathophysiology and radiobiology, and recent advances in experimental radiation oncology.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 415

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is a continuation of Clinical Dosimetry I and will focus on advanced treatment planning techniques including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), arc therapy, stereotactic treatment planning, and proton therapy. The advantages of each technique/modality over conventional 3D-treatment planning will be discussed. This will also be contrasted against the specific challenges presented by each technique such as the need for better immobilization, need for 4D CT scanning and daily IGRT (kV matching and/or CBCT).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

BIO 204, MS 302 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course, taught by Massachusetts General Hospital physicians will review cancer epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis and prevention, lymphatic drainage, and treatment. The pathology(s) of each cancer will be presented in detail including the rationale for each preferred modality of treatment.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

BIO 204 & BIO L204: may alsobe taken concurrent

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will begin with an introduction to radiology, reviewing x-ray production and discussing basic radiation physics, image formation (Kv, mA) and distortion (blur, magnification), conventional processing and digital imaging. The above-mentioned radiographic imaging concepts will be presented with conventional lectures as well as with several imaging laboratories. In addition, the basic principles of each imaging modality, including mammography, CT, MRI, Nuc Med, and Ultra Sound, will be presented. With the use of departmental tours and guest lecturers, the use, benefits and limitations of each will be discussed. Building upon the information previously presented, radiographic anatomy will also be covered with an emphasis on cross sectional anatomy. Students will review basic anatomy viewed in sectional planes (axial/transverse) of the body. Using CT and MRI images, the topographic relationship between internal organs and surface anatomy will be interpreted and discussed.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Available to Senior students in the Medical Science's Radiation Therapy Clinical Track.

Course Credits

2.00

Description

This course will be available to senior students enrolled in the Radiation Therapy Clinical Track. This seminar style course will serve three purposes; one will be to assist the senior students with the completion of the more advanced ARRT clinical competency requirements including, but not limited to, CSI, Mantle, and Paraaortic fields. This portion of the seminar will be conducted in a laboratory setting using our Phantom Patient. It's second purpose will be to prepare our graduating students for the ARRT's National Registry Exam. Exam preparation will include the use of lectures, student teaching, online teaching tools, mini mock registry exams and a full-length mock registry exam. Lastly, the seminar will assist the students with the preparation of their professional resumes including discussions regarding the skills necessary to make job interviews successful.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS-417;

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Topics in this course will include, radioactive sources, calibration, instrumentation, factors affecting dose calculations, definitions of LDR, MDR and HDR, treatment planning and clinical dose calculation, implantation techniques, implant localization/verification, regulations, radiation safety, storage and QA. Detailed coverage of prostate brachytherapy including LDR and HDR will be emphasized.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is designed for the medical dosimetry student, to include a general overview of computer systems and networking in the field of radiation oncology. A historical view of computers will be covered as well as the intricate uses in the medical field today. Oncology information systems such as MOSAIC and ARIA, as well as radiation therapy software used for imaging, contouring, treatment planning, and patient charting applications will be covered. Data and system security will also be addressed.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 302 & RT Clinical Student

Course Credits

1.00

Description

For the senior radiation therapy student, this course will emphasize advanced radiation treatment techniques, including patient simulation, immobilization, contouring, beam modification, as well as special procedures.

Term Offered

Prerequisites

Senior status

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will be available to senior students enrolled in the Radiation Therapy and Medical Dosimetry programs. This seminar style course will serve a number of purposes; one will be to prepare our graduating students for board certification in their respective disciplines (AART for Radiation Therapy and MDCB for Medical Dosimetry). Exam preparation will include the use of lectures, student teaching, online teaching tools, mini mock exams, and a full-length mock exam. The seminar will also assist students with the preparation of their professional resumes including discussions regarding the skills necessary to make job interviews successful.

Term Offered

Prerequisites

Seniors Only; permission of program director

Course Credits

1.00- 7.00

Description

Under special circumstances, seniors may be allowed to pursue studies in areas of particular interest to them. By special arrangement, members of the Medical Sciences Committee will schedule discussion sessions, assign projects and provide guidance and feedback. A paper & oral presentation are required.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Prerequisites

Instructor's consent required

Course Credits

0.00

Description

Service Learning Component

Term Offered

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

MS 301 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Students must take MS 302 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 303 concurrent

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take MS-301 MS-L301;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Student radiation therapists will spend 12 weeks (full-time, 40 hrs/wk) gaining hands on patient care experience in the department of radiation oncology at our clinical affiliates. Under constant supervision by licensed therapists, the student will be guided toward the application of theory in the real world of cancer treatment.

Term Offered

Summer

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

MS-L111 and take MS-301 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a Certified Medical Dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Two,8-hour days per week, TTH.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take MS-L311 and MS-302 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Three 8-hour days per week, MWF.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS-L312 and MS-303 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a Certified Medical Dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Three, 8-hour days per week, MWF.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take MS-301 and MS-L311;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Student dosimetrists will spend 12 weeks (full-time, 40 hrs/wk) gaining hands on treatment planning experience in the department of radiation oncology at our clinical affiliates. Under constant supervision of certified medical dosimetrists, the student will be guided toward the application of theory in the real world of cancer treatment planning.

Term Offered

Summer

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

MS 315 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This lab will cover a broad range of experiments associated with the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Topics include: Quality assurance measurements for radiation therapy, calibration of radiation teletherapy unit using ionization chambers, measurements of dose distribution via film, measurements of dose in a phantom via TLDs, radiation protection survey of therapy installation and brachytherapy sources, and radiation biology.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

MS 315, MS L315, MS 415 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This lab will provide the student with the opportunity to apply clinical dosimetry principles and theories learned in the classroom to actual treatment planning situations within the clinic. Through hands-on lab exercises the student will demonstrate the use of the treatment planning instruments and interpret information they compute.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term