B.S. in Radiation Therapy

Suffolk University

Radiation therapy is the careful administration of highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Our JRCERT-accredited program will help you gain the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to pass the ARRT national certification board exam and become a certified radiation therapist.
In addition to your classes, you’ll participate in 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical work alongside radiation therapists at Boston’s top healthcare facilities. Along the way, you’ll receive individualized support and mentorship from our faculty and clinical coordinator to help you graduate and start your career. More than a third of the radiation therapists working in most of our clinical partner hospitals today - including Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - are graduates of our program.
Students in our radiation therapy program will:
Accurately treat cancer patients with radiation, using a linear accelerator or proton therapy
Learn to problem-solve and collaborate with colleagues onsite when clinical issues arise
Cultivate an inclusive mindset and recognize diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities of both patients and colleagues
Utilize anatomy and physiology, patient care, infection control, physics, and technology skills-all at the same time
Develop clear and compassionate communication skills when addressing patients
Radiation science majors in their sophomore year who have achieved the minimum prerequisite grade requirements and cumulative GPA can apply to the radiation therapy major. Students will receive guidance and support from the radiation therapy program to prepare for the application process starting their freshman year. The Radiation Therapy Committee will review all of your application material, interview you, and decide whether you can enroll. If accepted, the program starts your junior year. Once completed, you'll be eligible to take the national ARRT certification exam and can begin working upon graduation. Most states require students to graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program and to apply for a state license. Students in other majors, as well as transfer students who have fulfilled the minimum requirements at another institution are also eligible to apply. We recommend connecting with our program to ensure you are on track to complete all coursework needed to apply.

College of Arts and Sciences