Radiation therapy and dosimetry are specialties in the radiation sciences that address the need to apply a measured amount of radiation to specific locations in the body to treat disease, usually cancer.
The radiation therapist works under the direction of a radiation oncologist in treating diseased areas of the patient with various forms of radiation.
Responsibilities include following prescribed treatment plans and keeping accurate records to ensure proper patient care and radiation safety.
Students in this area can have exposure to the latest in radiation therapy with Loma Linda University Medical Center's proton-beam accelerator, which is expected to revolutionize cancer therapy by eliminating damage to surrounding tissue during treatment.
The Radiation Therapy Certificate Program is a full-time, 12-month program that prepares the student to gain national certification as a radiation therapist. It is intended for diagnostic radiographers who seek additional specialization. The program is also open to other qualified applicants in the allied health field. Applicants must meet the basic requirements as listed in the program brochure.
Applications are accepted starting in January of each year for the following school year, which begins in September. May 1 is the established deadline, but the total number of applicants may dictate an earlier or later cut-off date. Check with the department for updates.
Courses listed as course requirements MUST be completed at a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) college or university.
Educational Background:
The applicant must fulfill ONE of the following:
A. Be an ARRT registered radiologic technologist and/or graduate of an accredited radiologic technology program and have college credits in:
B. Be a registered nurse or graduate of an accredited allied health program (2 years minimum training) and have college credits in:
All course requirements must be met before the start of the program.
A minimum of 40 hours of career observation in a radiation therapy department is required. Download a Career Observation Form from the forms page.
The Radiation Therapy Program is also offered via distance education at Fresno City College in Fresno, California. Please contact the program coordinator for more information about applying to the Radiation Therapy Program through Fresno City College.
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Last Revised: Tue, Sep 11, 2007
