Why Choose a Radiation Therapist Degree?
Radiation therapists are medical professionals who administer radiation treatments to patients. They may work with people who have cancer or other serious diseases.
On average, a radiation therapist can expect to earn a median salary of $82,330. Between 2018 and 2028, this field is expected to grow by 9%. This is faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top 10 Radiation Therapist Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forsyth Tech Community College | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, Wisconsin |
| 3 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | Delray Beach, Florida |
| 4 | Oregon Health and Science University | Portland, Oregon |
| 5 | College of DuPage | DuPage County, Illinois |
Choosing a Radiation Therapist Degree
Becoming a radiation therapist is a shorter program that has a decent wage, which makes it welcoming to people who may not be interested in a traditional degree track. Most radiation therapists have associate degrees, though further training may be available. Radiation therapists may also be known as radiation therapy technologists, radiological and MRI technologists, nuclear medical technologists or diagnostic medical sonographers.
This article includes 15 of the top schools where students can get a radiation therapist degree. These programs are ranked from the top program to the least favorable out of these 15 schools. If you would like help finding the right program for you, remember that you can reach out, and we’d be happy to help.
Best 10 Radiation Therapist Degree Programs
Forsyth Tech Community College
At Forsyth Tech, students will learn skills in treatment management, administration of prescribed radiation treatment, and provision of patient support as they pursue the AAS in Radiation Therapy. By the end of the 6-semester program, they will be ready to challenge the national certification examination in Radiation Therapy (www.arrt.org).
School Overview
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
At the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, students can get a degree in radiation therapy. The curriculum requires six semesters on campus with a 13-month internship. This program is accredited by JRCERT.
School Overview
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
There’s a two-year Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy at the Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology. It’s a hybrid program, meaning part of the program can be completed online, allowing for more flexibility and comfort. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to take and pass the ARRT registration examination as well as qualify for employment in healthcare facilities.
School Overview
Oregon Health and Science University
The OHSU Radiation Therapy Program is 24-months in length. Applicants with an associate’s degree in radiologic science, a bachelor’s degree or completion of prerequisites are eligible for admission, and must complete the 116-hour didactic/clinical curriculum for a BS degree in radiation therapy.
School Overview
College of DuPage
College of DuPage offers a one-year advanced Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Radiation Therapy Technology certificate program to graduates of an accredited Radiography or Nuclear Medicine program. Graduates become radiation therapists, which are highly sought-after professionals that serve as liaisons between patients and their physicians and supportive care personnel during radiation treatment for patients with cancer and other diseases. The school also offers an advanced certificate program for graduates of any Radiation Therapy program in Proton Therapy.
School Overview
Weber State University
Students in the radiation therapy program at Weber State University will learn about treatment procedures, patient care, dosimetry, particle therapy, treatment planning, radiation safety, and more. The program takes three consecutive semesters, starting in the fall. Once the program is completed students will be eligible to take the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students will be expected to complete 24 hours of clinical education per week in a WSU-affiliated healthcare facility.
School Overview
Gwynedd Mercy University
Though GMercyU’s tuition is a little pricier than other schools on this list, it has quite a few financial aid options for students who opt to go there. Also, its total enrollment is among the lowest on the list, indicating a low student-to-faculty ratio. In fact, the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy program requires three clinical placements where there is a stellar 1:1 clinical instructor-to-student ratio. The program is JCERT-accredited and focuses on graduating students who will be competent entry-level radiation therapists that model professionalism. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills and critical thinking while practicing patient-centered care.
School Overview
The University of Vermont
The University of Vermont has an average job placement after graduation from the radiation therapy program of 100%, making it an impressive school. Students can opt for a B.S. in radiation sciences. The program is accredited by JRCERT.
School Overview
Bellevue College
Bellevue offers an Associate in Arts degree in Radiation Therapy that takes 8 quarters, or 24 months, to complete. Students will study pathology, oncology, radiation physics, treatment planning, and human relations in addition to getting extensive hands-on experience in a modern clinical setting. This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
School Overview
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
At the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the radiation therapy program is JRCERT accredited. It hosts a 12-month post-baccalaureate certificate program that allows students to take a certification exam for the AART board exam in radiation therapy. The strong program has a post-graduate employment rate of 100%.
School Overview
Radiation Therapist Degree Ranking Methodology
In this article, we ranked the schools above based on the total program tuition as well as total enrollment. Schools with lower enrollment were ranked higher due to smaller class sizes. Schools with lower tuition also ranked higher. The two scores given for tuition and enrollment were combined and then placed in order to get the list above. In the case of a tie, the school with the lower enrollment was ranked first.
Every effort has been made to produce an article with accurate information. Please remember that this list is subject to change, and the information here is not guaranteed.
Do you have questions about how your school was ranked on this list? Would you like to have your school added to one of our lists and ranked? Reach out, and we would be happy to talk with you about your questions or concerns.
