Radiation Science and Therapy

Description

Are you passionate about science? Our radiation science programs prepare students for rewarding careers in the medical field, research, and graduate study. Our expert faculty will work with you to tailor a program of study that helps you achieve your goals.

Our programs integrate the studies of physics, radiation, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to graduate with a major in Radiation Science or Radiation Therapy.

You will begin your freshman year as a Radiation Science major, and have the opportunity to apply to the Radiation Therapy major in your sophomore year. Students not accepted to the Radiation Therapy major continue as Radiation Science majors and may apply to Suffolk’s post-bachelor’s program in radiation therapy during their senior year.

Radiation therapy is the careful administration of highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other rare diseases. If you are selected for the radiation therapy program you will combine your classroom studies with hands-on clinical training at one of our partnering hospitals.

Radiation Therapy Careers

In order to work as a radiation therapist, graduates must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam and apply for state licensure. Once certified, Suffolk radiation therapists are in high demand. Our alumni work at all five of our clinical sites and beyond.

Radiation Science Careers

Radiation Science graduates are working as clinical research assistants and laboratory technicians, and pursuing graduate and certificate study in biology, medical dosimetry, health physics/radiation safety, and nursing. They are also in dental and medical school and physician assistant programs.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 16265 Semester (National)

Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265

Students must complete a minimum of 126 credits for graduation.

• English

Course Content

Radiation Science or Radiation Therapy: Which is Right for You?

The radiation science major (formerly known as "radiation biology") is designed for students who want to pursue graduate studies in the health sciences and/or biology. Clinical training is not required for radiation science majors.

If you want to work in the medical profession as a radiation therapist, the radiation therapy major (formerly "radiation biology clinical concentration") will allow you to get practical, hands-on experience in a hospital setting while you earn your degree.

Hands-on Experience with Radiation Therapy

Suffolk's JRCERT accredited program is a collaboration between the Suffolk University physics department and our world class clinical sites: Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA), Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA), North Shore Cancer Center (Danvers, MA), and Newton-Wellesley Hospital (Newton, MA). Our students learn from leaders in the field while earning their clinical experience at some of the finest oncology facilities in the country.

Radiation therapy is the careful administration of highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Through observation and hands-on experience, students will become part of a team of radiation therapists, as they complete their more than 1,300 hours of clinical rotations.

At the hospitals, students will observe the daily responsibilities of radiation therapists, as well as patient care and the operation of treatment machines. To become enrolled in the radiation therapy program students must be selected by the Radiation Science Committee (consisting of MGH medical personnel and Suffolk University faculty).

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the ARRT certification exam for radiation therapy.

English Language Requirements

TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 77

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

The deadline for the radiation therapy program application is January 1st of each year for program participation starting the following fall semester.

Students who plan to apply for a spot in the radiation therapy program prior to the spring semester of their sophomore year should be aware that the selection process requires an additional application, as well as a clinical shadow, math assessment, writing sample, and an interview with Radiation Science Committee members. This process will take place during the spring semester of each year for the classes which begin the following fall semester.

Interested students will need to show proof of a 3.0 GPA, and official grades demonstrating a "B" or better for Calculus, a majors Biology with a lab, at least one semester of Anatomy and Physiology with a lab, and college or university level Physics with a lab, to be eligible for an interview for the radiation therapy program. Applicants should note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a slot in the clinical program.

New Suffolk students considering the radiation therapy program are advised to contact the program director as soon as possible in the admissions process for assistance with course selection and the interview process.

After students have successfully completed two academic years and have been selected for one of the clinical slots, the radiation therapy program will last for two full academic years, including an unpaid 40 hour per week summer practicum between the first and second clinical year.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.

Accreditation

Our Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the national governing body for radiation education programs.