Radiation Therapy, B.S.
If you choose to major in radiation therapy at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ, you will learn to treat cancer patients with high-energy radiation using highly specialized equipment. You will focus on helping plan and administer prescribed doses of radiation to affected areas as directed by a radiation oncologist.
About Radiation Therapists
A radiation therapist is a health care professional skilled in the art and science of medical radiation treatment. Therapists are primarily concerned with the design and administration of radiation therapy treatment, in addition to issues of daily well-being for patients with cancer. A therapist is responsible for administering the prescribed treatment dose of radiation using high-energy linear accelerators. These treatments are provided to cure the patient or control the disease, improving patients' quality of life. Therapists also monitor patients’ reactions for radiation side effects and keep highly accurate records of planning, treatment and equipment use.
This profession combines the great satisfaction of helping others during difficult times with sophisticated technological equipment and scientific techniques. Radiation therapists work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and other medical specialists to provide the best treatment and support available to their patients.
Program Highlights
The website "Best Health Degrees" recently ranked SLU's radiation therapy program as the No. 8 ranked radiation science program in the nation. Advantages of earning your B.S. in radiation therapy at SLU include:
- Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
- A curriculum with an interprofessional focus that emphasizes a team approach to health care
- Instruction by professionally credentialed faculty
- Undergraduate opportunities to conduct research and produce projects/papers acceptable for publication and presentation at professional conferences
- Pre-med and pre-physician assistant curriculum options
- A strong science-based curriculum, which prepares students interested in postgraduate professional programs or immediate job placement
- Small class sizes and low student-faculty ratios in the professional component of the radiation therapy program, which provide more individualized attention to students
Curriculum Overview
SLU's Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy prepares graduates for entry-level positions as radiation therapists. The program includes all basic sciences as well as a 12-month intensive XRT curriculum that includes 1,200 hours of clinical practicum. Students are to note that, as part of the radiation therapy professional curriculum, XRT 4340 Treatment Planning and XRT 4440 Clinical Dosimetry are delivered in a synchronous, hybrid blended-learning format.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become registered radiation therapists through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Clinical Opportunities
Radiation therapy students participate in a clinical practicum at multiple health care settings in the St. Louis area. This variety of clinical sites allows students to appreciate a variety of departmental structures, ranging from high-end research facilities to community hospitals.
Careers
There are many career opportunities for radiation therapists. Graduates can work as radiation therapists in hospitals and clinics and may also seek positions in areas such as health care administration, equipment sales and teaching.Ìý
Some graduates further their education to pursue careers in dosimetry and medical physics. Radiation therapy provides excellent pre-professional curricula for those interested in medicine or becoming physician assistants. Many students attend graduate school part-time with assistance from their place of employment.Ìý
Some jobs are classified as traveling jobs where the employee provides temporary help to departments that are short-staffed for a short period. These therapists travel regularly, with the length of stay and the location varying.
Major focus areas for radiation therapists are:
- Delivering treatments using linear accelerators or similar equipment using ionizing radiation
- Assessment and care of patients undergoing radiation therapy
The general salary range depends on geographic location, years of experience and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for radiation therapists in 2022 wasÌý$98,340Ìýper year.
Admission Requirements
Freshman Applicants
Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a first-year applicant’s file. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ has moved to a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.Ìý
Admission criteria include:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale for all applicants.Ìý
- Professional coursework in the radiation therapy program is concentrated in the fourth year of the curriculum. Students may enter as freshmen or transfer students, depending on program availability.
Transfer Applicants
The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.80/4.00.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:
- You must demonstrateÌý.
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ.
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Year |
---|---|
Undergraduate Tuition | $54,760 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Accreditation
The Radiation Therapy Program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), having been awarded an eight-year accreditation. It is the only JRCERT-accredited Radiation Therapy program in the state of Missouri. The program’s next scheduled reaccreditation review by the JRCERT will be July 2025.ÌýThe program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be foundÌý.
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
For more information about the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ radiation therapy program's goals, program outcomes, credentialing exam pass rates, job placement rates, technical standards, clinical site and program-specific requirements and fees, please see theÌýadditional program information and fees.
Doisy College of Health Sciences Learning Outcomes
- The radiation therapy student will be able to articulate ethical behaviors in clinical practice.
- The radiation therapy student will evidence appropriate written communication appropriate for the profession of radiation therapy.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate complex radiation therapy treatment procedures.
- The radiation therapy student will present a complex radiation therapy treatment procedure to an audience.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate professional behaviors in the clinical setting.
Radiation Therapy Programmatic Mission
The radiation therapy program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ's Doisy College of Health Sciences is dedicated to preparing liberally educated, competent, caring and socially responsible radiation therapists committed to clinical and scholarly excellence.
Radiation Therapy Program Learning Outcomes and Goals
Goal A: Students will be clinically competent
- The radiation therapy student will position patients as directed in treatment record.
- The radiation therapy student will set treatment machine as indicated in patient treatment record.
- The radiation therapy student will practice patient confidentiality.
- The radiation therapy student will practice proper radiation protection and safety.
ÌýGoal B: Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate complex radiation therapy procedures.
- The radiation therapy student will present a complex radiation therapy treatment procedure to an audience.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills for the practice of radiation therapy when provided with a case for analysis.
Goal C: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
- The radiation therapy student will appropriately communicate with patients.
- The radiation therapy student will show evidence of appropriate written communication for the profession of radiation therapy.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate proper presentation skills.
Goal D: Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate professional behavior.
- The radiation therapy student will be able to articulate ethical behaviors in clinical practice.
- The radiation therapy student will have knowledge of professional organizations.
- The radiation therapy student will demonstrate the concepts of compassionate care.
The program annually tracks student learning outcomes as they relate to the above student goals.
Students must earn a "C" or better in math and science courses.Ìý
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate University Core | 32-35 | |
Program Requirements | ||
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240 &²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085 | Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab | 4 |
¶Ù±õ·¡°ÕÌý2080 | Foundations in Nutrition | 2 |
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
±á°ä·¡Ìý1600 | Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context | 3 |
±á±õ²ÑÌý4750 | Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý2100 | Health Care Management | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý3200 | Health Law and Policy | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310 | Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 4 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410 | Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 4 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý4700 | Quality Management | 3 |
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý4200 | Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý4900 | Interprofessional Community Practicum | 3 |
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235 | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255 | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | 4 |
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
³§°¿°äÌý1100 | Introduction to Sociology * | 3 |
´Ç°ùÌý³§°¿°äÌý1110 | Introduction to Sociology: Diversity Emphasis | |
´Ç°ùÌý³§°¿°äÌý1120 | Introduction to Sociology: Diversity and Health Emphasis | |
´Ç°ùÌý³§°¿°äÌý1180 | World Geography | |
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
Radiation Therapy | ||
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4320 | Radiation Therapy Practice I | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4330 | Treatment Techniques | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4340 | Treatment Planning | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4350 | Clinical Practicum I | 10 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4360 | Emerging Technologies | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4420 | Radiation Therapy Practice II | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4440 | Clinical Dosimetry | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4450 | Clinical Practicum II | 8 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4500 | Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4510 | Radiobiology and Radiation Protection | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4960 | Capstone in Radiation Therapy | 1 |
Total Credits | 126-128 |
- *
All of the sociology courses listed meet professional curriculum requirements.Ìý
Second Degree Option for students with a Bachelor's Degree
Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses completed in an undergraduate program. The specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Electives and/or Transfer Credits | 51 | |
Prerequisite Courses | ||
Pre-Calculus | 3 | |
Principles Chemistry I with Lab | 4 | |
General Physics I with Lab | 4 | |
General Physics II with Lab | 4 | |
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 4 | |
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 4 | |
Medical Ethics | 3 | |
Oral and Written Communication | 3 | |
Basic Human Nutrition | 2 | |
Theology | 3 | |
Radiation Therapy | ||
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4320 | Radiation Therapy Practice I | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4330 | Treatment Techniques | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4340 | Treatment Planning | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4350 | Clinical Practicum I | 10 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4360 | Emerging Technologies | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4420 | Radiation Therapy Practice II | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4440 | Clinical Dosimetry | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4450 | Clinical Practicum II | 8 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4500 | Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4510 | Radiobiology and Radiation Protection | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4960 | Capstone in Radiation Therapy | 1 |
Total Credits | 128 |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a 2.80 cumulative GPA to remain in Good Standing in the Radiation Therapy, B.S.Ìý
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085 |
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab |
4 |
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar | 2 |
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community | 1 |
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1900) | 3 |
±á°ä·¡Ìý1600 | Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1600) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 13 |
Spring | ||
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý2100 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context | 3 |
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1400 | Pre-Calculus | 3 |
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010 | General Psychology (satisfies COREÌý3600) | 3 |
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies COREÌý3200) | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 12 |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240 &²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245 |
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies COREÌý3800) |
4 |
COREÌý1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication | 3 |
COREÌý2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý4200 | Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
COREÌý3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 15-16 |
Spring | ||
COREÌý1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
COREÌý2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
¶Ù±õ·¡°ÕÌý2080 | Foundations in Nutrition | 2 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý2100 | Health Care Management | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
³§°¿°äÌý1100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Ìý | Credits | 14 |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
±á±õ²ÑÌý4750 | Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý3200 | Aspects of Health Law | 3 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310 |
Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab |
4 |
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235 |
General Physics I and General Physics I Lab |
4 |
Ìý | Credits | 14 |
Spring | ||
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410 |
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab |
4 |
±á³§°ä±õÌý4700 | Quality Management and Performance Improvement | 3 |
±õ±Ê·¡Ìý4900 | Interprofessional Community Practicum (satisfies COREÌý4000) | 3 |
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240 &²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255 |
General Physics II and General Physics II Lab |
4 |
Ìý | Credits | 14 |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4320 | Radiation Therapy Practice I | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4330 | Treatment Techniques | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4340 | Treatment Planning | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4360 | Emerging Technologies | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4500 | Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4510 | Radiobiology and Radiation Protection | 2 |
Ìý | Credits | 18 |
Spring | ||
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4350 | Clinical Practicum I (Critical course: Ìýsatisfies COREÌý3500) | 10 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4420 | Radiation Therapy Practice II | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4440 | Clinical Dosimetry | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4960 | Capstone in Radiation Therapy | 1 |
Ìý | Credits | 17 |
Summer | ||
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4450 | Clinical Practicum II | 8 |
Ìý | Credits | 8 |
Ìý | Total Credits | 125-126 |
Second Baccalaureate Degree Track
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Electives and/or Transfer Credits | 51 | |
Prerequisite Courses | Ìý | |
Pre-Calculus | 3 | |
Principles Chemistry I with Lab | 4 | |
Principles Chemistry II with Lab | 4 | |
General Physics I with Lab | 4 | |
General Physics II with Lab | 4 | |
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 4 | |
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 4 | |
Medical Ethics | 3 | |
Oral and Written Communication | 3 | |
Basic Human Nutrition | 2 | |
Theology | 3 | |
Radiation Therapy | Ìý | |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4320 | Radiation Therapy Practice I | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4330 | Treatment Techniques | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4340 | Treatment Planning | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4350 | Clinical Practicum I | 10 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4360 | Emerging Technologies | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4420 | Radiation Therapy Practice II | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4440 | Clinical Dosimetry | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4450 | Clinical Practicum II | 8 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4500 | Rad Onc Pat. Care & Qual Manag | 3 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4510 | Radiobiology/Rad Protection | 2 |
³Ý¸é°ÕÌý4960 | Capstone in Radiation Therapy | 1 |
Total Credits | 127 |
Program Notes
Second degree option for students with a bachelor's degree:
This 12-month program is identical to the senior year of the degree option. Successful completion leads to a second baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy. This option is designed as an alternative for the student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing radiation therapist in 12 months.
To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.
The applicant must complete the application for the professional year and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website.
The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of the radiation therapist’s role. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of the professional year.
Application to the 12-month option is via a competitive application process with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.
°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ for Admission
Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý