Radiation therapy is a type of treatment often used to combat cancer and other diseases. While part of the radiologic sciences, it's different from most types of radiology.
As a result, students who want to work as radiation therapists need to complete a radiation therapy program. Keep reading to find our top radiation therapy schools and colleges in the United States.
Top Radiation Therapy Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Radiation therapy programs are offered by both community colleges and larger universities. Below, you'll find our list of top radiation therapy schools and colleges in the United States.
All schools listed are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
1. Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio. It offers a Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences and therapy through its School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
The degree program requires 127 credits. Courses in this program include:
- Health Sciences Research
- Introduction to Radiological Sciences
- Radiation Therapy Equipment
- Treatment Plans
Within the four-year program, students will get 1600 hours of clinical experience through a wide variety of clinical sites throughout Ohio.
A degree completion program is also available for students who already have an associate degree and license in radiation therapy or a related field. This program may be completed online.
This program is designed to prepare students for national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
2. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a private research university based in St. Louis, Missouri. It offers a Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy.
This degree program trains students to treat cancer patients with high-energy radiation using highly specialized equipment. It includes courses such as:
- Emerging Technologies
- Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management
- Radiation Physics
- Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
The program requires 139 credits, which includes 1200 hours of clinical experience through over 800 clinical education sites around the country.
Students who complete this program will be eligible to sit for the certification examination through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It's the flagship university of the University of North Carolina System.
Through the School of Medicine's Department of Radiation Oncology, students can earn a certificate in radiation therapy.
Students typically finish the program in three semesters. It requires 43 credits with courses like:
- Clinical Education in Radiation Therapy
- Foundations of Radiation Therapy
- Research Methodology Design Statistics
- The Radiobiology of Radiotherapy
This certificate program is designed for board-certified radiographers who have at least an associate degree from an accredited college or university.
This program prepares students to pass the credentialing exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Students from the past five years of this program have a 95% first-time pass rate.
4. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It's part of the University of Wisconsin System.
The university offers a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy through its College of Science and Health. It provides students with an educational foundation and clinical experience in radiation therapy.
The program begins with six semesters of coursework. Courses offered in this program include:
- Cross-Sectional, Topographic & Radiographic Anatomy
- Health Care Systems and Human Resources in Radiation Therapy
- Professional Issues in Radiation Therapy
- Radiation Therapy Readings, Writings, and Research
Students also participate in a 13-month clinical internship, which gives them hands-on experience in radiation therapy settings.
Over the last five years, students in this radiation therapy program have a 100% first-time pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam.
5. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is a public research university in Burlington, Vermont. It offers a radiation therapy program through its College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
This program leads to a Bachelor of Science in medical radiation sciences. It trains students in radiation safety, patient care, and cancer management and treatment.
The degree takes four years to complete. It includes courses such as:
- Clinical Radiation Oncology
- Cross-Sectional Imaging
- Essentials of Patient Care
- Principles of Radiation Therapy
Students complete their program with a semester-long placement in a hospital setting with one of the University of Vermont's clinical affiliates.
This program is designed to prepare students to pass the certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
FAQs About Radiation Therapy Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Below, you'll find the answers to some frequently asked questions about radiation therapy schools and colleges in the United States.
How Long Are Radiation Therapy Degree Programs?
The length of a radiation therapy program depends on what level of degree you're earning. Associate degrees usually take two years, while bachelor's degrees typically take four.
Can I Earn a Degree in Radiation Therapy Online?
While some programs offer courses in radiation therapy online, many require in-person labs or clinical experience.
What Level of Degree Do I Need for Radiation Therapy?
An associate degree is typically the minimum required for a career in radiation therapy, but many students go on to earn their bachelor's degree.
Find Radiation Therapy Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Students interested in radiation therapy can find programs through several colleges and universities in the United States. Check out the programs listed above to find the right fit for you today.