Program Overview

Program Description

Radiation therapy is a multifaceted career that combines working in a highly technical environment with the opportunity to work closely with patients and members of many other professions to provide a high standard of clinical care. Radiation therapy is the therapeutic application of ionizing radiation to malignant and benign conditions. The therapist is responsible for delivering the treatment, which is prescribed by a radiation oncologist; maintaining accurate treatment records; and implementing quality-assurance plans. A radiation therapist must be detail-oriented; able to work accurately under pressure; and most importantly, be able to interact empathically with patients. Individuals who show initiative and are capable of critical thinking and problem-solving make good radiation therapists.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy is a full-time program. No prior degree is required for the non-ARRT track. The non-ARRT track is 24 months (8 quarters). The application window is October 1 to February 15 for a summer start. Upon successful completion of this track, students are eligible to sit for their ARRT Radiation Therapy board exam.

Program Length

The program length is 24 months (8 quarters).

Possible Careers

• Radiation Therapist

Application Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

• Be an ARRT registered radiographer (two-year minimum degree)
• 24 hours of career observation in a Radiation Oncology Department

Prerequisites

Applicants must be either an ARRT registered radiographer (two-year minimum degree) or a Registered Nurse or graduate of an accredited Allied Health Program with patient care experience (2-year minimum degree) and completed the following subjects at an accredited college or university prior to entering the program:

• Human anatomy and physiology with laboratory, complete sequence
• College algebra
• Medical terminology
• Patient-care methods
• Radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of radiography, patient care methods (available in the summer professional program for those who do not have it)
• General psychology or developmental psychology

General Education

• Humanities: 16 quarter units minimum (choose minimum of three areas from: history, literature, philosophy, foreign language, art/music appreciation/history). Included in this minimum, 4 units of religion per year of attendance at a Seventh-day Adventist college or university. Eight units of religion are included in the B.S. degree core as a co-requisite.
• Natural Sciences: The study of natural sciences must include a minimum of 12 units. The units in natural sciences must be selected from two of the following content areas: biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Required: College algebra/Pre-Calculus (taken within 3 years), Human Anatomy and Physiology with a lab (a 2-course sequence in Anatomy and Physiology, with labs is acceptable).
• Social Science: Must have a total of 12 quarter units of social science, General psychology or developmental psychology is required. Select additional units from: economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, or anthropology.
• Communication: English composition, complete sequence, and oral communication/public speaking are required. A minimum of 9 units are needed to complete this area.
• Health and Wellness: Personal health or nutrition and two physical activity courses are required to meet the minimum of 3 quarter units.
• Electives: May be needed to meet the minimum requirements of 192 quarter units (34-36 quarter units).

Diversity Requirement

The diversity requirement is fulfilled in the BSRS portfolio core courses: AHCJ 493 Senior Portfolio I and AHCJ 494 Senior Portfolio II.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The BSRTT program is accredited by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N Wacker Dr. Suite 2850, Chicago IL 60606.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans. | Year of Program | Months Enrolled | Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance) | Transportation Allowance | Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | Federal Student Loan Fees | Cost of Obtaining Professional License | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Year 1 | 12 | $16,596 - $29,916 | $4,200 | $4,380 | $79 | 0 | | Year 2 | 12 | $16,596 - $29,916 | $4,200 | $4,380 | $79 | 0 |

Notes

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid-eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.