Student Success Statement

"Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it" 

William Penn 

Thoracic Surgeon

Duties and Responsibilities: The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) maintains standards for the practice of thoracic surgery in the public interest. Thoracic surgeons who have completed approved residency training, hold a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, and maintain an ethical standing in the profession are eligible for board certification. Candidates must then pass both a written examination that is designed to test a broad range of knowledge in all areas of thoracic surgery. Upon successful completion of the written examination, candidates are eligible for and must pass an oral examination that tests knowledge, judgment and the integration of these skills in clinical practice.

Salary: $100,00 - $400,000

Education: All thoracic surgeons have the same general training and are certified by the same specialty board, except for congenital heart surgeons who have a sub-specialty certificate in addition to the ABTS certification. Some surgeons choose to focus their clinical practice in certain areas of thoracic surgery and can be referred to differently. A cardiac or cardiovascular surgeon will focus on the heart and great vessels. General thoracic surgeons treat diseases of the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum. Congenital heart surgeons operate on infants and children with heart disease. Cardiothoracic surgeon is the most inclusive term used to describe the specialty, irrespective of a particular surgeon’s area of focus and expertise, and can be used interchangeably with the term thoracic surgeon.

Student Success Statement

“Let us have faith that right makes right, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

Abraham Lincoln 

Radiation Therapist

Duties and Responsibilities: Radiation Therapy Technologists assist radiologists and oncologists (cancer specialists) in treating diseases by exposing areas of patients’ bodies to ionizing radiation. In addition to helping with treatments, technologists are responsible for maintaining the radiation therapy equipment and helping to maintain patient records. Radiation therapy is provided in hospitals, public health clinics, cancer treatments centers, and private offices.

Salary: $22,000 - $36,000

Educational Requirements: Students should take the most challenging science, math, and English courses available in high school.

Students can train to become radiation therapist in either one or two year programs. One year programs are often offered by hospitals. To qualify for a one year program, an applicant must have graduated from an approved program in radiologic technology or been a nurse with education in radiation physics. A high school diploma or a GED is required to enter two year courses.