Radiation Therapy

Treat with care, day after day.

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer, with about half of all cancer patients receiving some type of radiation. And you’re responsible for deciding the best way to aim the radiation at the cancer and for positioning the patient precisely and consistently for every treatment. But more than that, you are with them every step of the way. You allay fears. You instill trust. You make a very difficult situation much easier and become an important part of their lives.

Become a highly skilled radiation therapist.

Working in state-of-the-art labs, you’ll learn to use penetrating beams of high-energy radiation to malignant and non-malignant diseases, especially cancer – all while providing emotional support for patients and their families. You’ll work closely with radiation oncologists and dosimetrists to expertly carry out radiation treatment plans, and deliver healthcare with compassion and sensitivity.

Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated
Boston
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track)
Boston

State-of-the-art Facilities

Our laboratories are specially designed for skill-building and patient assessment in the radiologic sciences. Lab instruction for the radiation therapy program is also provided through clinical affiliations where state-of-the-art equipment is available.

Advantageous Affiliations

Partnerships with premier medical institutions enable students to gain exposure and experience in leading healthcare institutions.

Clinical Experience

Hands-on opportunities in a variety of community-based clinical settings supplements the clinical experience gained in the on-campus program and provides students with a broader insight into the diverse populations they may encounter in future career settings.

Internship Opportunities

Students in the Radiation Therapy program complete internships at a range of prestigious medical facilities in the metropolitan Boston and New England.

Accelerated Programs

In the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy program, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just 32 months. Fast Track students earn a degree in 21 months.

A field of growth

The demand for radiation therapists is growing with an aging population combined with an increased risk of cancer as people age. Earlier cancer diagnoses and new technologies are also driving the need for more radiation therapists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 14 percent through 2024, which is faster than the average growth rate.

Job satisfaction

Radiation Therapists rank #22 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 Best Health Care Jobs rankings. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including salary, the number of expected openings, advancement opportunities and career fulfillment. Many radiation therapists tend to enjoy having direct and meaningful contact with patients and being a part of their recovery or pain management.

Well-prepared

The Radiation Therapy program provides a high-quality, learning-centered environment. Students receive state-of-the-art didactic and clinical experiences enabling them to become competent entry-level professionals. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to apply for certification through examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Well-paid

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiation therapists was $80,220 in May 2015, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $121,110. Compared to other local, premier universities, including Harvard and MIT, MCPHS produces the #1 top earners in New England, and our students rank among the top earners in the nation, according to data from the College Scorecard.

Mission Statement

The Radiation Therapy program provides a high-quality, student learner-centered environment. Students receive state-of-the-art didactic and clinical experiences enabling them to become competent entry-level professionals.

Program Goals

  • Program graduates will be competent entry-level radiation therapists.
  • Program graduates will possess necessary skills to effectively communicate and provide competent, empathetic patient care.
  • Program graduates will possess and apply critical thinking skills required of an entry level radiation therapist.
  • Program graduates will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to reproduce the prescribed simulated treatment field on a daily basis
  • Students will be able to adjust treatment field parameters as prescribed
  • Students will be able to explain procedures to patients in understandable terms.
  • Students will be able to evaluate field placement on Portal Images/DRR’s & modify shifts accordingly
  • Student will demonstrate advanced comprehension & integration of basic radiation therapy concepts to clinical practice
  • Student will exhibit professional behaviors necessary for entry level practice
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of required professional behavior throughout their program of study.

The programs offered for the radiation therapy and radiography majors are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). To make the JRCERT aware of non-compliance of the standards, or to view the program's Assessment Plan, please go to http://www.jrcert.org/contact.

 

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