Radiation Therapist Degree Programs Online

Radiation therapy programs are typically available at a college or university's school of medicine and can lead to a professional health degree. You can also find some radiation therapist degree programs at technical colleges and vocational schools around the country, or take a portion of your classes online with a radiation therapy degree online. Radiation therapist degree programs train students on the basics of radiation for cancer treatment and also provide hands-on training with advanced technologies and machines that use radioactive energy. Completing this type of degree program can prepare you for an exciting career as a radiation therapist.



Types of Radiation Therapy Programs

You'll find the following types of radiation therapy programs available at colleges, universities and training centers around the United States:

  • Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
  • Master's Degree in Radiation Therapy
  • Radiation Therapy Certification Programs
  • Online Radiation Therapist Programs
  • Radiation Therapy Degree

Most bachelor's degree and master's degree programs in radiation therapy include clinicals and practicum requirements so that students can work in a real medical setting, network with other professionals and gain valuable work experience.

Getting a Radiation Therapy Degree Online

Even though some radiation therapy colleges and schools offer an online program in the field, you will still need to complete your hands-on and clinical training offsite. Online radiation therapist programs typically include web-based lectures and training for general education requirements, and some introductory courses in the field of radiation therapy. However, most of the courses in these programs will still need to be completed offsite at an approved training center, medical facility or lab. This is because students need to complete a significant amount of hands-on training using specialized equipment and also learn the basic protocol of administering radiation therapy to different types of patients.

A radiation therapy degree online can provide basic guidelines and an overview of different types of equipment used in the industry, safety protocol, general procedures and processes in a medical setting, and also give a student the chance to learn about the history of radiation therapy. Hands-on training will give the student some much-needed real world experience and skills they need to be successful throughout their careers.

Radiation Therapist Degree Programs

Graduates of radiation therapist degree programs are trained to communicate effectively with medical professionals at a cancer treatment center, work with oncologists and dosimetrists, and also apply problem solving skills in a healthcare environment. Most employers require candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree in this field, as well as some type of certification. Colleges and universities that offer radiation therapist degree programs prepare students for a rewarding career as a radiation therapist by:

  • Teaching students how to become clinically competent
  • Helping students with professional development and growth
  • Providing hands-on training opportunities and seminars
  • Providing opportunities for part-time employment outside of the program
  • Offering clinical practicum opportunities

Many graduates of radiation therapist degree programs complete a comprehensive certification training program offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to advance in their careers. In addition to completing coursework through accredited radiation therapy programs, students will need to become licensed according to state licensing requirements.