collageA lot of people don’t realize just how many Radiation therapy schools are near them. I didn’t even know this was a career path until I came across one of the programs while looking into graduate school. Ever since then, I’ve felt that this is one of the most exciting careers to pursue.
Collegelearners will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for on radiation therapist associate degree, accelerated radiation therapy programs, radiation therapy 12 month certificate program online, and so much more.
Radiation Therapy Schools Near Me
In order to become a radiation therapist, students must complete a program at an accredited school. While certificate programs were common in the past, effective January 1, 2015, the ARRT, the primary licensing body for radiation therapists, requires that candidates have completed at least an associate degree to qualify for licensure. In addition to associate of applied science (AAS) degrees, students can pursue bachelor’s of science (BS) or post-baccalaureate specializations in radiation therapy.
Following is a sampling of esteemed, accredited programs in radiation therapy:
Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) : At VWCC, located in Roanoke, Virginia, the radiation oncology AAS degree prepares students to perform the tasks of a radiation therapist and has an impressive ARRT certification pass rate of 97 percent. In addition, VWCC reports that over 87 percent of their graduates are employed within six months of completing the two-year program. The curriculum at VWCC is considered intense and students are therefore discouranged from working while attending..
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) – Named recently as one of the top 30 national universities by the U.S. News and World Report (2018), UNC, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has a long-established tradition of excellence in healthcare education. In order to be eligible for the UNC program, applicants must have already earned (or be in the process of earning) a minimum of an associate’s degree and must be certified in radiography prior to entering the program. The 12-month, post-baccalaureate certificate program qualifies students to sit for the ARRT’s national board certification exam in radiation therapy. This program also has an impressive post-graduation employment rate of 100 percent.
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) – The U.S. News and World Report named UNMC, located in Omaha, Nebraska, as one of the top 20 primary care graduate schools in the nation (2018). Students who complete the 12-month radiation therapy program can choose to earn either a BS in radiation science technology or a post-baccalaureate certificate, both of which qualify them to sit for the ARRT exam.
University of Vermont (UV) – UV, located in Burlington, Vermont, is one of the most cost-effective radiation therapy programs at less than $16,000 annually (in-state tuition). The university’s BS degree program provides the perfect career springboard, as their average job-placement rate for the last five years sits at 100 percent. As an investment, this is one of the lowest-cost, highest-yield options when it comes to radiation therapy programs.
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) – Located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country (with campuses throughout Oregon and Washington state), OHSU offers a BS in radiation therapy that boasts a 97 percent degree completion rate, a 95 percent exam pass rate, and an 87 percent job placement rate.
radiation therapist associate degree
Radiation Therapist Associate Degree Online
Many of the programs on this list either solely focus on management and business or include these topics within the degree’s curriculum. Management and business classes are often included in these degrees as many radiologic technologists who decide to go back to school to finish their bachelor’s degree do so to move into a management job. Classes you may take while earning your bachelor’s degree will likely cover management principles and strategies, human resources for health care, administration, and quality management.
This list of programs does include a few master’s degrees, which will focus primarily on developing research and teaching skills. Earning an MS in Radiologic Science may allow you to become a radiologist assistant, who is responsible to take histories of radiology patients, among other advanced duties under the supervision of a physician radiologist.
What Are the Best Colleges for Radiation Therapy Degrees?
Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. For more information, see our methodology page.
University of Iowa
The Radiation Technologist to Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science program at the University of Iowa comes in at the top of our list as this program provides the best bang for your buck while being backed by a university system known for its high educational standards. If admitted into this program, you can choose a concentration in cardiovascular interventional, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, breast imaging, or a multi-modality plan.
Since the program is designed for practicing radiation technologists, there isn’t a clinical internship experience requirement. Those wanting to sit for a higher radiation technologist certification will have to find their own opportunities to meet the internship experience required. This program does partner with various medical institutions across the state from which an internship in diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or cardiac interventional could be arranged.
Siena Heights University
Practicing radiation technologists can earn that much-coveted bachelor’s degree while being able to explore different subjects through the selection of a minor with the Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree from Siena Heights University. Although it’s not a requirement to select a major in this program, doing so can give you specialized knowledge in subjects such as health care management and management, among others. These are readily applicable skills that practicing radiation therapists can implement immediately.
Students have a few ways in which they can meet the minimum admission requirements for this program. The first way is for applicants to have completed an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology or other associate’s degree. The second admission route is for applicants to have hospital-based training, be ARRT registered, and have two years of radiation science work experience.
University of Missouri
Developing future radiology teachers as well as knowledgeable and proficient radiology technicians is what the Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Radiologic Science from the Unversity of Missouri aims to do! This degree will also train students to be health system managers in areas as diverse as patient care, research, sales, and marketing. Those who are certified radiologic technologists are eligible to apply for admittance into this program.
The school indicates that the typical transfer student into this program requires only around 30 credit hours of coursework to complete this degree, which means that students can expect the program to cost a total of $12,502. Coursework to finish this degree will cover areas such as clinical ethics, MRI physics and procedures, and radiologic pharmacology, among many others.
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Wanting to add another credential to your skillset by learning radiography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, or radiation therapy? If so, then the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology can help you reach your goals as either a full- or part-time student. To be eligible for admission into this program, applicants are expected to have a certification in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, or echocardiography.
The type of additional certification that students admitted into this program can expect to earn depends on the specialty selected. On average, students can anticipate completing an additional 30 credit hours of coursework before graduating with their degree. In addition to six credit hours spent in research, students in this program will take one class worth three credit hours in each of the following areas: principles, procedures, and anatomy and pathology.
accelerated radiation therapy programs
To rank the 10 Fastest Online Radiation Sciences Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. University of Iowa
Here’s an online RT to B.S. in Radiation Sciences with multiple modalities from which you can choose for your accelerated radiation sciences degree.
Prerequisites for this program are studies in Anatomy, Psychology, Natural Sciences, Medical Terminology, as well as Culture, Society, and the Arts. You’ll be able to choose a modality from Computed Tomography, Breast Imaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cardiovascular Interventional, or a Multi-Modality Option. Among the topics covered are procedures, analysis, pathology, and sectional anatomy. There are advanced studies in Management and Leadership and Statistics if you want to move into management. Modalities don’t require an internship.
Admission requires you pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) radiography, ARRT nuclear medicine technology, or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam. You can transfer up to 60 credit hours in RT, NMT, MRI, or CT studies towards this 120 credit hour program.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $337/per credit hour
Fast Fact: UI is ranked #34 of U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools
2. University of Louisiana Monroe
You can complete this accelerated radiation sciences RT to B.S.R.T. undergraduate degree online, at your own speed.
Based on your ARRT certification, you’ll be awarded up to 38 credit hours toward this degree with 82 credit hours remaining toward your degree. The core curriculum includes general education studies in electives of Fine Arts, Social Science, Humanities, and Math. You’ll also study Medical Terminology and Computer Literacy. Professional coursework will cover Radiologic Technology studies and electives as well as a University Capstone Course.
Your first step is to be admitted to the University of Louisiana Monroe by completion of an application and proof of your ARRT registry status. You’ll then be contacted by an admission representative regarding your application and any further information required. If you have coursework from another college or university to transfer, you’ll need to provide official academic transcripts of that coursework.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $400/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Niche rates ULM #43/308 of its Best Online Colleges in America
3. Oregon Institute of Technology
This Radiology Degree Completion program from OIT is offered 100% online and blends general education coursework with radiology classes.
If you’re a registered technologist, you’ll receive 89 credit hours and be required to complete (or transfer) 64 credits in general education coursework and 46 hours in professional courses. Among the professional courses you’ll take are Health Care Systems & Policy, Essentials of Pathophysiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Computed Tomography, and a Special Radiologic Science Externship, etc. General education classes are comprised of Human Anatomy & Physiology, Trigonometry, Psychology, English, Public Speaking, as well as electives.
You’ll need to be an ARRT registered technologist, be employed (or have access to an approved radiology lab), and be admitted to the Oregon Institute of Technology. Oregon Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $205-$652/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Ranked #2 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools
4. Ohio State University
Ohio State’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences supports an online degree completion B.S. in Radiologic Sciences which is tailor-made for working radiology technologists with an Associate of Science (AS) degree.
You can complete this accelerated radiation sciences degree in just two years and is specifically designed for RT professionals who are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Prerequisites include studies in Human Physiology, Math, Anatomy, Statistics, Chemistry and Biology. This program’s curriculum covers Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice in the Radiologic Sciences, Quality Management in Radiologic Sciences, as well as two Advanced Radiography Practicum.
To apply for this B.S. degree, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses, have a 2.5 GPA, complete the school’s online application, proof of RT certification, and letters of recommendation.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,796-$18,396/program total
Fast Fact: Forbes rates OSU in the top 100 of America’s Best Value Colleges 2019
5. East Tennessee State University
If you hold an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, you may want to explore ETSU’s 100% online Radiologic Science completion program.
Prerequisites are required in Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Microbiology, Patient Care and Assessment, and others listed on the website. You’ll also take General Education studies in Communication, History, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities and Fine Arts, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. There are courses in Radiographic Equipment, Advanced Radiologic Imaging, Radiographic Procedures, Digital Imaging, Clinical Education, as well as Radiographic Imaging and Quality Assessment, and more.
ETSU offers several admission scenarios and you’ll want to see which criteria applies to you. You’re also encouraged to contact an Admissions Counselor for additional information. You can even schedule a video call with an admissions representative.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $422-$483/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Niche ranks ETSU #275/676 in its Top Public Universities in America
6. Georgia Southern University Armstrong
You’ll have the choice between two options with this B.S. in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) degree completion from Georgia Southern University.
Both the B.S. and the Bridge Program are offered online. You need to be registered or registry eligible to enter the B.S. Special Options track and concentrate on Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, or Radiation Therapy. Requirements for this option include general education coursework and classes in your concentration. You’ll be expected to do clinical work as well. The Bridge Program offers clinical and non-clinical studies and is intended for students who are ARRT, NMTCB, or RDMS ARDMS certified.
Once admitted to Georgia Southern University, you’ll need to make application for the Radiology Sciences programs and provide proof of certification and have a 2.5 GPA. Additional information will be required, especially with the Bridge Program.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $182-$199/per credit hour
Fast Fact: GSU is one of U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools
7. University of New Mexico
You can complete your undergraduate education and earn a B.S. in Radiologic Science from UNM through this degree completion program.
Offered both as a full-time or part-time curriculum, you’ll take English, math, communications, and psychology courses before taking radiology coursework. Among those courses are Health Ethics and Diversity, Healthcare Delivery and Compliance, Cross-Sectional Anatomy, and Cross-Sectional Pathology. The degree requires 123 total credits which includes UNM coursework and 54 transfer hours from your RT experience.
Although not specifically discussed, as a degree completion degree, it’s assumed you need to have an Associate degree for admission. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a UNM admission application and submit a $25 application fee and provide official academic transcripts. You may be asked for other documents as well. ACT/SAT test scores are not required.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $369/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Ranked #252/676 of Niche’s Top Public Universities in America
8. Kent State University
If you have an Associate degree, Kent State provides an online Bachelor of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences degree in Computer Tomography and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Taking as few as 9 months, the degree requires 120 credit hours. You’ll study general education courses in Social Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, as well as classes in your chosen track. CT students will study patient management, image production, CT procedures, research, and more. MRI track students will do coursework in MRI Procedures, Pathophysiology for Medical Imaging, Leadership in Medical Imaging, etc. The two tracks somewhat overlap in requirements, such as clinical experiences.
To be admitted, you’ll need to hold an Associate degree, or certificate from a hospital-based radiology program, and be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT or NMTCB). Other admission information may be requested by the university.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,000/program total
Fast Fact: Forbes ranked Kent State in its Top Colleges 2019 ratings
9. Cambridge College of Allied Health and Technology
If you’re currently licensed as a RT and want to advance your education, you may want to look into the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences at Cambridge College of Allied Health & Technology. An Associate degree is required.
This particular program offers online classes in Pathophysiology, Statistics, Advanced Sectional Anatomy, Health Education Training Development, Abnormal Psychology, Quality Management, Microcomputer applications, etc. The program requires 120 credit hours and you’ll be awarded 75 credit hours for your Rad Tech associate program, and completion of 21 hours general and prerequisites. Cambridge holds accreditation from The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is approved by The the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
General admission requirements for Cambridge College of Allied Health and Technology include an online registration form. Once your registration form is received, you’ll be contacted by an admission advisor regarding your next steps.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,330/per academic year
Fast Fact: Cambridge has four campuses located in Georgia and Florida
10. St. Catherine University
Identifying itself as a “College for Adults”, the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health at this St. Paul, MN university offers an accelerated radiation sciences degree completion in Radiation Therapy.
This hybrid program takes approximately 12 months for completion and offers two tracks: an accelerated program for those students who are certified in radiology and those who have a baccalaureate degree in any field. There are three core courses required in calculus, statistics, and ethics. Major studies include Pathology, Patient Care in Radiation Oncology, Introduction to Radiation Therapy, Dosimetry and Treatment Planning, as well as others and a clinical practicum.
Admission into the Radiation Therapy major at St. Catherine’s requires you have an accredited bachelor’s or associate degree with a 2.7 GPA, hold American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, and have completed core liberal arts studies.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $495/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Ranked #401/1,619 in Niche’s Best Colleges in America
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