Radiation Therapy Bachelor of Science | COLLEGE FOR ADULTS About the program Are you interested in becoming a credentialed radiation therapist, prepared to assume a new position in the growing field of radiation oncology?
You'll learn to become a competent, caring professional. A strong foundation in the liberal arts will build your skills for communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and working in healthcare teams.
Consider the Radiation Therapy bachelor's program from St. Kate's College for Adults.
Admission requirements
What can I do with a degree in Radiation Therapy?
Students who have completed an accredited associate degree in radiography must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Radiation therapists are responsible for the administration of ionizing radiation for treating diseases, primarily cancer. They work as part of interdisciplinary cancer treatment teams, including oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists and nurses. Radiation therapists administer radiation to patients throughout the course of treatment.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a major other than radiography must complete all prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in the Radiation Therapy program, earn a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0, and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for admission to the program.
Demand for radiation therapists is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 13% growth in the field from 2016 to 2026. According to the BLS, median annual pay in 2023 was $98,300.
In addition, Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR is required prior to beginning the program.
St. Kate’s program offers two tracks, based on previous education for individuals who: • •
have completed a bachelor’s degree in any major, plus specific prerequisite courses. have completed or in the process of completing an associate degree in radiography and who pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
What will I study? Core courses provide a strong foundation, according to standards set forth by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiation Technology (JRCERT), in: • • • • • • •
Principles of Oncology Pathology Patient care Radiation therapy physics Sectional anatomy Radiobiology Dosimetry and treatment planning
As part of the application process, students must provide documentation of 12 hours of observation/shadowing in a radiation therapy clinic or department. These hours provide an opportunity to observe the patient care environment and ask questions about the daily activities and responsibilities of radiation therapists. The required form for documenting observation hours, as well as evaluation feedback completed by the clinic/department where the hours were completed, will be available upon application to the program.
Class scheduling The Radiation Therapy course sequence begins in the Fall semester, and can be completed in 12 months. Courses and clinical training are scheduled weekdays. Classes are held online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous meetings; clinical sites are located across the metro area.