Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapists administer targeted doses of radiation to the patient’s body to treat cancer or other diseases. As the radiation strikes human tissue, it produces highly energized ions that gradually shrink and destroy the nucleus of malignant tumor cells.

Radiation therapists typically see each of their patients 3–4 days a week throughout a 4–7 week treatment plan (ASRT, 2015).

Eligibility:

Must have an AS or AAS degree or higher
Must have ARRT certification
Applicants may apply while in progress of degree completion and certification, but these must be completed before the program start date
All WSU general education requirements must be completed for bachelor's degree to be awarded

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Casey Neville

Degree Map

What You Will Learn

Patient care
Simulation procedures
Dosimetry
Treatment devices
Radiation treatment procedures
Cancer (pathology, detection and diagnosis, imaging, pharmacology, etc.)
Physics
Treatment planning
Particle therapy
Radiation safety
Quality improvement
And more...

Certification

Upon completion of the Radiation Therapy program, you are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

States often require practicing therapists to be licensed; however, the ARRT certification is accepted by many states to fulfill the state regulations. To practice in Utah, you must be licensed as a Radiologic Technologist by the state.

Check Your State's Requirements

Job Opportunities

Upon certification, you can work as a radiation therapist.

Clinical Education

You are required to complete 24 hours of clinical education per week in a WSU-affiliated healthcare facility.

Location and Delivery

WSU Campus

Classes are held once a month at WSU in Ogden, Utah and/or virtually on Zoom.

Campus and Regional programs are completed in 3 straight semesters, beginning each fall semester.

Campus students reside in Utah are assigned to clinical sites in Utah.

Regional students reside outside of Utah must secure their own clinical site.