Radiation Therapy
Overview
Radiation therapy programs prepare people to treat tumors in cancer patients with prescribed radiation treatments.Radiation therapy programs prepare people to treat tumors in cancer patients. Students learn to operate machines and comfort patients. They learn to keep records and help put together treatment plans.
Radiation therapy programs include topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Oncologic pathology
- Radiation biology
- Radiation oncology procedures and techniques
- Tumor localization
- Treatment planning
- Recordkeeping
Schools
Many community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in radiation therapy. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in radiation therapy. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anatomy
- Cancer and Oncology Biology
- Health and Medical Physics
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Nuclear Medical Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Some programs require you to take pre-professional or general education courses before applying. These programs may admit you before you have finished these courses, but might want to see proof that you have started them or plan to start them soon.
These prerequisite courses usually include some combination of the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- College Algebra
- Computer Applications
- English Composition
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Interpersonal Communication
- Medical Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Other requirements may include:
- American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Clinical observation ("shadowing") in the radiologic sciences field
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
Some programs prefer applicants who have a background in radiography (x-ray technology). However, many programs offer two options: course work for those who have this background and course work for those who do not. If you don't have a background in radiography or some other radiation science, your studies usually take longer to complete.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Computer
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Community Health
- General Computer Applications
- General Math
- Healthcare Occupations
- Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
- Medical Lab Technology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Safety and First Aid
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Atomic Physics
- Clinical Dosimetry and Treatment Planning
- Computer Theory
- Data Collection
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Oncologic Pathology
- Patient Care: Communication and Management
- Physics: Introductory Principles
- Physics: Technical Applications
- Radiation Biology
- Radiation Oncology Procedures and Techniques
- Radiation Physics
- Radiation Protection
- Radiographic Imaging
- Tumor Localization
Bachelor's degree candidates may also need to complete an independent research project on radiation therapy.
All programs include a clinical externship or practicum in their curriculum. Under the supervision of a registered radiation therapist, you can apply your knowledge and skills in real-life clinical settings. You might help draft a treatment plan, operate equipment, or properly position patients for radiation.
Things to Know
Some states require you to have a license before practicing. You may have to pass a certification exam before getting licensed.
Radiation therapy programs require you to wear a radiation detection badge to monitor your exposure to radiation.
Fees in addition to tuition in this program include allied health insurance, uniform and shoes, radiation monitoring, and registry applications.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Healthcare Management & Leadership--Radiation and Imaging Management Concentration
- Radiation & Imaging Sciences--Medical Dosimetry Concentration
- Radiation and Imaging Medical Dosimetry
- Radiation Therapy