Become a Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapy is an exciting and dynamic field with advancements in technology dramatically impacting the manner in which radiation therapy is delivered. By pursuing this career, you will have the opportunity to serve patients during a critical time in their lives and positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families. In just 13 months, you can complete the certificate program through a combination of online learning and clinical education. You may enter the workforce as a staff radiation therapist, but advance your career with additional education and become a chief therapist, application specialist or healthcare administrator. This is a fast-growing field in healthcare that can lead to both personal and financial rewards. Begin your journey now at Washburn!
Why Choose Washburn for XT?
Washburn's Radiation Therapy (XT) program is an online program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and administered through the School of Applied Studies, Department of Allied Health. Candidates must have earned, at minimum, an associate degree in an accredited radiography program. Once accepted, you can complete this certificate program in 13 months and be registry eligible with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The program consists of 40-credit hours that combine related courses with clinical education. Students complete didactic courses online and participate in clinicals at a Washburn-affiliated radiation therapy center. Synchronous learning, via the virtual classroom, allows you to interact with faculty and classmates.
- Classes begin in late June or early July and finish the following July.
- Didactic courses include weekly virtual meetings each Monday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST. Attendance is required.
- Clinical hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. until noon on Friday. Clinicals consists of unpaid experience.
- The winter intersession, a component of the spring semester, consists of approximately three weeks in December and January. Students complete clinical hours from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- The summer semester consists of clinicals from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until noon on Friday. NOTE: Some didactic courses include a clinical experience as part of a project, report or presentation. To fulfill these experiences students may have to alter their clinical hours slightly.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology program, possess a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited institution and hold the professional designation of RT(R). Specific college level coursework is evaluated in the application review process. If you have not meet these requirements, but are in the process of doing so, you may also be considered for admittance. However, all requirements must be met prior to the program's start date.
How to Apply
- Applications are accepted from September 1 through February 1. Acceptance notifications are sent by April 1.
Essential Functions
- Students must meet essential requirements to ensure success in both their clinical coursework and later in the workforce.
Clinical Education
- Students must complete 11-credit hours of clinical education in the Radiation Therapy program.
FAQs
- Learn about this program by exploring the answers to a list of frequently asked questions.
Learn More
Washburn's Radiation Therapy program offers high-quality training in an area of medicine that is progressing rapidly.
Summer Semester #1 – Late June/early July, NO synchronous (live) class sessions and NO clinical during this period.
AL309 Foundations of Radiation Therapy (2 credit hours)
Fall Semester - Requires attendance at synchronous (live) class sessions each Monday from 8:30am – 4pmCST.
AL 301 Clinical Radiation Therapy I (4 credit hours)
AL 302 Radiation Therapy Principles I (3 credit hours)
AL 303 Radiation Therapy Physics I (3 credit hours)
AL 307 Oncology, Simulation & Treatment Procedures I (3 credit hours)
AL 311 Imaging in Radiation Therapy (3 credit hours)
Spring Semester - Requires attendance at synchronous (live) class sessions each Monday from 8:30am – 4pmCST.
AL 304 Therapeutic Radiobiology (3 credit hours)
AL 305 Radiation Therapy Physics II (3 credit hours)
AL 310 Radiation Therapy Principles II (3 credit hours)
AL 340 Clinical Radiation Therapy II (4 credit hours)
AL 370 Oncology, Simulation & Treatment Procedures II (3 credit hours)
Summer Semester #2 – No attendance of synchronous (live) class sessions required.
AL 380 Clinical Radiation Therapy III (3 credit hours)
AL 381 Radiation Therapy Seminar (3 credit hours)
40 Credit Hours Total
*Clinical education consists of unpaid experiences at an affiliated radiation oncology department. In the fall and spring semesters clinical hours are Tuesday-Thursday (8am-4pm) and Friday (8am-12pm). The winter intersession, a component of the spring semester, consists of approximately 3 weeks in December and January during which clinical hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. In the summer semester, clinical is scheduled Monday-Thursday (8am-4pm) and Friday (8am-12pm).
*Credit hour to clinical clock hour is calculated based on a formula of 100-115 clock hours equaling 1 credit hour.Kristina Collins, Program Director
785.670.1414, kristina.collins@washburn.edu
Sean Conrad, Clinical Coordinator
785.670.1448, sean.conrad@washburn.edu
Washburn's Radiation Therapy program is accredited by JRCERT, the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry.
Washburn University offers a variety of support services to make sure your educational journey is a successful one. And, that applies to both on campus learners and those learning online. Explore the resources that are available to students completing the Radiation Therapy program.
Students in the Radiation Therapy program incur a short list of expenses in addition to tuition cost.
Washburn's Radiation Therapy program has a transfer articulation agreement with the following institution:
- Mount Aloysius College (Cresson, PA)
- The student will first complete an Associate of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Science at Mount Aloysius College, will pass the national certification exam in Radiography, and become registered through the ARRT. Following the completion of 90 credits and successful application to Washburn, the student will take online courses through Washburn and complete clinical requirements at a pre-approved site in Pennsylvania. Upon transfer of credits back to Mount Aloysius College, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Science with a Radiation Therapy concentration from Mount Aloysius College, a certificate in Radiation Therapy from Washburn, and be eligible to take the national certification exam in Radiation Therapy.
By the Numbers
Experienced Salary
$98,604
Credential Pass Rate
96%
Placement Rate
94.6%
Program Cost
Tuition costs for the Radiation Therapy program are listed under "other programs" on the Tuition and Fees section of the Washburn University website.
Apply Now
GET IN TOUCH WITH Allied Health
Allied Health
Benton Hall, Room 107
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2170
allied-health@washburn.edu
