Associate programs in radiation therapy typically lead to Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degrees. These degrees are typically offered by community colleges, and some four-year colleges and universities. Graduates with associate degrees perform a number of entry-level radiation therapy jobs such as preparing data for interpretation by physicians, providing basic nursing and medical care, preparing immobilization devices and operating equipment, and positioning patients for procedures. Graduates of associate degree programs in radiation therapy work in a variety of medical environments, including hospitals, clinics, cancer facilities and long-term care facilities.
Associate degree programs in radiation therapy have different requirements, but most require students to complete 60 to 77 credits of course work. During the first year in the program, students typically take prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, with laboratory sections, and general education requirements such as composition 1 and Western civilization. Throughout the rest the program students take foundational courses in radiation therapy. Requirements vary, but examples of common courses are radiation physics, introduction to radiation therapy 1 and 2, clinical education 1, 2 and 3, oncology 1 and 2, and radiobiology.
Bachelor's programs in radiation therapy typically lead to Bachelor of Science degrees. These programs are generally offered by four-year colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree is a more advanced radiation therapy program than an associate degree, and graduates with a bachelor's degree enter the field not as entry-level radiation therapists, but as full-fledged radiation therapy professionals. In particular, in addition to performing many of the same duties as radiation therapists with associate degrees, graduates of Bachelor of Science degree programs are also involved in other aspects of patient care and education, such as treatment planning.
Bachelor of Science curricula in radiation therapy emphasize the importance of both theoretical and clinical experience. They typically require students to complete 120 to 140 credits of coursework, of which 60 credits are general education requirements. General education courses give students a broad liberal arts education and the tools to communicate effectively with patients, both verbally and in writing. Bachelor’s degrees in radiation therapy require students to take many of the same courses as associate degrees, including radiation therapy 1 and 2, oncology 1 and 2, clinical education 1, 2 and 3, and radiobiology. In addition to these courses, students also have to complete a number of radiation therapy electives and an internship.