Program Description
PROFESSIONRadiation 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
The Bachelors of Science degree in Radiation Therapy is a full-time program. It is intended for Radiographers who seek additional specialization. The program is 21 months (7 quarters) long. The application window is October 1 to February 15 for a fall start. Upon successful completion of this track, students are eligible to sit for their ARRT Radiation Therapy board exam.
EXPECTATIONS
The BSRTT program is a 40 hour a week program, which consists of both face to face, and on-line didactic courses. The clinical work is conducted at different clinical sites in the area. Clinical time varies from the first to the second year. The first year has a heavy didactic load and clinical work is confined to two full clinical days (16 hours per week).
During the second year, there is a heavier emphasis placed on clinical work and students attend clinic for three days a week (24 hours/week). The usual time commitment is Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise specified by the individual site. There are exceptions to these times for either quality assurance tests, or labs attached to didactic courses but students are informed of these changes well in advance. It may mean either coming in early for QA procedures or staying later for lab work etc.
The program's accrediting body (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) has requested that you be informed of the following information:
The didactic component of the entire program is structured to include face-to-face instruction (52%) and online instruction (48%).
The online courses are either synchronous (the professor is live at a distance) or asynchronous (no live interaction with the professor).
Of the required professional core courses for the degree 67% are conducted face-to-face in classrooms at the university. Of the remaining professional core courses 80% are synchronous, and 20% are asynchronous.
This is a 40-hour a week program which allows time for all scheduled didactic courses (face-to-face and online), and the completion of clinical hours.
Students are required to rotate through clinical sites every five to ten weeks depending on location of site. Rotating through sites, rather than staying in one clinical area helps to ensure a broad education and experience with various machines, techniques, and treatment protocols.
There is a standard grading system for all radiation therapy core classes:
A = 92-100
A- = 89-91
B+ =86-88
B =83-85
B- =80-82
C+ =77-79
C =74-76
Program Length
21 months (7 quarters)Possible Careers
Radiation TherapistApplication Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2025 | Oct 1, 2024 | — | Feb 15, 2025 |
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) 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
- Intro or General Physics; no lab required
- General psychology or developmental psychology
General Education:
Humanities – 16qt/11sem 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, 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 (this was approved by the University GE committee for the BSRS and BSNM programs).
Discipline Accrediting Agency
The BSRTT program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago IL 60606; www.jrcert.org
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
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $30,496 | $33,088 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$1,400 | $1,250 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
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.