Department of Radiologic Sciences
Radiation Therapy
Academic Programs    |    Modalities

Overview

Radiation Therapy, also known as x-ray therapy, is part of radiation oncology. Radiation Therapists use linear accelerators to administer radiation to treat cancer. They work closely with the medical dosimetrist, radiation oncologist and radiation physicist.

Jefferson is the only Radiation Therapy program on the east coast that offers Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) for student training. VERT is a life-size replica of a real linear accelerator used by radiation therapists to treat cancer patients. Students learn key skills by controlling the virtual machine with real controls. 3D visualization of patient images, organs, treatment beams and dose makes complex theoretical concepts easy to understand.

Tasks

  • administer, record, and interpret cancer treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists
  • easily adapt to stressful environment
  • know about alternate imaging modalities
  • tattoo patients

Technology

  • penetrating beams of high-energy, ionizing radiation
  • CT scanners

Patient Interaction

  • direct patient contact
  • critically ill inpatients and outpatients
  • all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics

Work Conditions

  • stand for most of day
  • move and lift patients to and from treatment rooms

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% increase in the number of jobs for Radiation Therapists by 2020.

Pathways to a Radiation Therapy degree

If you ...
  
then consider...
are in High School   2+2 PACE program
or 3+1 Advanced Placement BS/BS with
Immaculata University
have 50 prerequisite credits   2-year Multicompetency BS*option
or 2+1 BS/MS*
have a baccalaureate degree
and 50 prerequisite credits		   1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*
have certification in or graduated from an accredited program* in
Radiologic Sciences or allied health and have 50 prerequisite credits  		  1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*
are certified in radiation therapy
or medical dosimetry
and do not have a bachelor’s degree		   Part-time Advanced Placement BS
Radiation Therapy or Medical Dosimetry

*Multicompetency Combination options

It is recommended that students take Radiation Therapy the second year unless pursuing completion of the Medical Dosimetry program. Acceptance into the second year program of choice is not guaranteed.

First Year Second Year
Radiography Radiation Therapy


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