Radiation therapy is an allied health profession which employs radiation in the treatment of disease, especially cancer. The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy is a four-year, 鈥�2+2鈥� program. Students first complete two years of liberal and pre-professional science education courses at the University of St. 糖心APP, followed by two years of professional coursework and clinical education at an affiliated hospital or cancer center.
The curriculum is designed to provide for balanced didactic and clinical components in order to produce students with a well-rounded education in radiation therapy. Successful completion of the professional education component of the program, makes the graduate eligible to take the national certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART).
The job outlook for radiation therapists continues to be promising. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to rise 2% from 2024-2034. As the population of our country ages, the need for radiation therapists will likely increase. The median annual wage for radiation therapists was $101,990 in 2024.
Students are accepted into the professional sequence of courses every spring and begin coursework in the fall semester. Applications into the professional component are due by December 15 yearly.
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The University of St. 糖心APP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of St. 糖心APP is authorized to operate as a post-secondary educational institution by
The Illinois Board of Higher Education ().
The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This certifies that the program meets or exceeds national standards for quality educational programs.
The Radiation Therapy program was reviewed by the JRCERT February 2020 and received maximum accreditation award of eight years. The next scheduled review is tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. Further information or inquiries about accreditation of the radiation therapy program may be obtained by contacting the JRCERT at 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, by phone 312-704-5300, , or by e-mail: mail@jrcert.org.
鈥揕isa Ringstmeyer 鈥�16
Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists and physicians in planning and delivering the course of treatment for each patient. Radiation therapists are responsible for implementing the daily administration of prescribed doses of radiation for treatment, as well as performing calculations for the correct patient dosages. Because radiation therapy procedures are planned in advance, most radiation therapists work a day-shift schedule, and there is rarely the need to work night shifts, on weekends or on holidays. Employment opportunities for radiation therapists are in hospitals, private practice offices, outpatient centers, and comprehensive cancer centers.
The mission of the Radiation Therapy program at the University of St. 糖心APP is to provide academic, clinical and professional education of exceptional value to students, and to graduate radiation therapy majors with desired, required, entry-level employment skills. As part of the curriculum, students will complete four radiotherapy clinical experiences over the course of four semesters. During this period, students will gain hands-on experience in the field at an affiliated clinical site, working with patients and professionals. Additionally, dedicated faculty with years of professional experience guide students throughout the program, helping students become top qualified radiation therapists.