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Radiation Therapy, B.S.

If you choose to major in radiation therapy at Saint Louis University, you will learn to treat cancer patients with high-energy radiation using highly specialized equipment. You will focus on helping plan and administer prescribed doses of radiation to affected areas as directed by a radiation oncologist.

About Radiation Therapists

A radiation therapist is a health care professional skilled in the art and science of medical radiation treatment. Therapists are primarily concerned with the design and administration of radiation therapy treatment, in addition to issues of daily well-being for patients with cancer. A therapist is responsible for administering the prescribed treatment dose of radiation using high-energy linear accelerators. These treatments are provided to cure the patient or control the disease, improving patients' quality of life. Therapists also monitor patients’ reactions for radiation side effects and keep highly accurate records of planning, treatment and equipment use.

This profession combines the great satisfaction of helping others during difficult times with sophisticated technological equipment and scientific techniques. Radiation therapists work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and other medical specialists to provide the best treatment and support available to their patients.

Program Highlights

The website "Best Health Degrees" recently ranked SLU's Radiation Therapy program as the #8 ranked radiation science program in the nation. Advantages of earning your B.S. in radiation therapy at SLU include:

  • Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
  • A curriculum with an interprofessional focus that emphasizes a team approach to health care
  • Instruction by professionally credentialed faculty
  • Undergraduate opportunities to conduct research and produce projects/papers acceptable for publication and presentation at professional conferences
  • Pre-med and pre-physician assistant curriculum options
  • A strong science-based curriculum, which prepares students interested in postgraduate professional programs or immediate job placement
  • Small class sizes and low student-faculty ratios in the professional component of the radiation therapy program provide more individualized attention to the students.

Program Effectiveness Data

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy prepares graduates for entry-level positions as radiation therapists. The program includes all basic sciences as well as a 12-month intensive XRT curriculum that includes 1,200 hours of clinical practicum. Students are to note that, as part of the radiation therapy professional curriculum, XRT 4340 Treatment Planning and XRT 4440 Clinical Dosimetry are delivered in a synchronous, hybrid blended-learning format.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become registered radiation therapists through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and earn a "C" or better in math and science courses.

Clinical Opportunities

Radiation therapy students participate in a clinical practicum at multiple health care settings in the St. Louis area. This variety of clinical sites allows students to appreciate a variety of departmental structures, ranging from high-end research facilities to community hospitals.

Careers

There are many career opportunities for radiation therapists. Graduates can work as radiation therapists in hospitals and clinics and may also seek positions in areas such as health care administration, equipment sales and teaching. 

Some graduates further their education to pursue careers in dosimetry and medical physics. Radiation therapy provides excellent pre-professional curricula for those interested in medicine or becoming physician assistants. Many students attend graduate school part-time with assistance from their place of employment. 

Some jobs are classified as traveling jobs where the employee provides temporary help to departments that are short-staffed for a short period. These therapists travel regularly, with the length of stay and the location varying.

Major focus areas for radiation therapists are:

  • Delivering treatments using linear accelerators or similar equipment using ionizing radiation
  • Assessment and care of patients undergoing radiation therapy

The general salary range depends on geographic location, years of experience and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for radiation therapists in 2022 was $98,340 per year.

Admission Requirements

First-Year Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a first-year applicant’s file. Saint Louis University has moved to a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process. 

Admission criteria include:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale for all applicants. 
  • Professional coursework in the radiation therapy program is concentrated in the fourth year of the curriculum. Students may enter as freshmen or transfer students, depending on program availability.

Transfer Applicants
The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Accreditation

The Radiation Therapy Program at Saint Louis University is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), having been awarded an eight-year accreditation. It is the only JRCERT accredited Radiation Therapy program in the state of Missouri.  The program’s next scheduled reaccreditation review by the JRCERT will be July 2025.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
http://www.jrcert.org

For more information about the Saint Louis University radiation therapy program's goals, program outcomes, credentialing exam pass rates, job placement rates, technical standards, clinical site and program-specific requirements and fees, please see the additional program information and fees.

View Additional Program Information and Fees (PDF)

Doisy College of Health Sciences Learning Outcomes

  1. The radiation therapy student will be able to articulate ethical behaviors in clinical practice.
  2. The radiation therapy student will evidence appropriate written communication appropriate for the profession of radiation therapy.
  3. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate complex radiation therapy treatment procedures.
  4. The radiation therapy student will present a complex radiation therapy treatment procedure to an audience.
  5. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate professional behaviors in the clinical setting.

Radiation Therapy Programmatic Mission

The radiation therapy program at Saint Louis University's Doisy College of Health Sciences is dedicated to preparing liberally educated, competent, caring and socially responsible radiation therapists committed to clinical and scholarly excellence.

Radiation Therapy Program Learning Outcomes and Goals

Goal A: Students will be clinically competent

  1. The radiation therapy student will position patients as directed in treatment record.
  2. The radiation therapy student will set treatment machine as indicated in patient treatment record.
  3. The radiation therapy student will practice patient confidentiality.
  4. The radiation therapy student will practice proper radiation protection and safety.

 Goal B: Students will demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

  1. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate complex radiation therapy procedures.
  2. The radiation therapy student will present a complex radiation therapy treatment procedure to an audience.
  3. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills for the practice of radiation therapy when provided with a case for analysis.

Goal C: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.

  1. The radiation therapy student will appropriately communicate with patients.
  2. The radiation therapy student will show evidence of appropriate written communication for the profession of radiation therapy.
  3. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate proper presentation skills.

Goal D: Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.

  1. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate professional behavior.
  2. The radiation therapy student will be able to articulate ethical behaviors in clinical practice.
  3. The radiation therapy student will have knowledge of professional organizations.
  4. The radiation therapy student will demonstrate the concepts of compassionate care.

The program annually tracks student learning outcomes as they relate to the above student goals.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies CORE 3800)
4
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
DIET 2080Foundations in Nutrition2
ENGL 1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900)3
ENGL 2xxxLiterature: satisfies CORE 34003
HCE 1600Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (satisfies CORE 1600)3
HIM 4750Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine3
HSCI 2100Health Care Management3
HSCI 2200Medical Terminology3
HSCI 3200Health Law and Policy3
HSCI 3300
HSCI 3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
HSCI 3400
HSCI 3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
HSCI 4700Quality Management3
IPE 2100Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context3
IPE 4200Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice3
IPE 4900Interprofessional Community Practicum3
MATH 1200College Algebra3
MATH 1400Pre-Calculus3
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab (with Lab)
4
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab (with Lab)
4
PSY 1010General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600)3
SOC 1100Introduction to Sociology3
STAT 1300Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200)3
Radiation Therapy
XRT 4310Radiation Physics2
XRT 4320Radiation Therapy Practice I3
XRT 4330Treatment Techniques3
XRT 4340Treatment Planning3
XRT 4350Clinical Practicum I (satisfies CORE 3500)10
XRT 4360Emerging Technologies2
XRT 4420Radiation Therapy Practice II3
XRT 4440Clinical Dosimetry3
XRT 4450Clinical Practicum II8
XRT 4500Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management3
XRT 4510Radiobiology and Radiation Protection2
XRT 4960Capstone in Radiation Therapy1
Total Credits139

Second Degree Option for students with a Bachelor's Degree

Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses completed in an undergraduate program. The specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.

General Electives and/or Transfer Credits51
Prerequisite Courses
Pre-Calculus3
Principles Chemistry I with Lab4
Principles Chemistry II with Lab4
General Physics I with Lab4
General Physics II with Lab4
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab4
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab4
Medical Ethics3
Oral and Written Communication3
Basic Human Nutrition2
Theology3
Radiation Therapy
XRT 4310Radiation Physics2
XRT 4320Radiation Therapy Practice I3
XRT 4330Treatment Techniques3
XRT 4340Treatment Planning3
XRT 4350Clinical Practicum I10
XRT 4360Emerging Technologies2
XRT 4420Radiation Therapy Practice II3
XRT 4440Clinical Dosimetry3
XRT 4450Clinical Practicum II8
XRT 4500Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management3
XRT 4510Radiobiology and Radiation Protection2
XRT 4960Capstone in Radiation Therapy1
Total Credits132

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 to remain in good standing.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEM 1080
CHEM 1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
ENGL 1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) 3
HCE 1600 Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (satisfies CORE 1600) 3
MATH 1200 College Algebra 3
 Credits16
Spring
CHEM 1480
CHEM 1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
IPE 2100 Interprofessional Collaboration and Healthcare in Global Context 3
MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
STAT 1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200) 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
BIOL 1240
BIOL 1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies CORE 3800)
4
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
IPE 4200 Applied Decision-Making in Interprofessional Practice 3
ENGLXXXXEnglish Literature Elective: satisfies CORE 3400 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
DIET 2080 Foundations in Nutrition 2
HSCI 2100 Health Care Management 3
HSCI 2200 Medical Terminology 3
SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology 3
 Credits14
Year Three
Fall
HIM 4750 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine 3
HSCI 3200 Aspects of Health Law 3
HSCI 3300
HSCI 3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
PHYS 1220
PHYS 1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
 Credits14
Spring
HSCI 3400
HSCI 3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
HSCI 4700 Quality Management and Performance Improvement 3
IPE 4900 Interprofessional Community Practicum (satisfies CORE 4000) 2
PHYS 1240
PHYS 1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
 Credits13
Year Four
Fall
XRT 4310 Radiation Physics 2
XRT 4320 Radiation Therapy Practice I 3
XRT 4330 Treatment Techniques 3
XRT 4340 Treatment Planning 3
XRT 4360 Emerging Technologies 2
XRT 4500 Radiation Oncology Patient Care and Quality Management 3
XRT 4510 Radiobiology and Radiation Protection 2
 Credits18
Spring
XRT 4350 Clinical Practicum I (Critical course:  satisfies CORE 3500) 10
XRT 4420 Radiation Therapy Practice II 3
XRT 4440 Clinical Dosimetry 3
XRT 4960 Capstone in Radiation Therapy 1
 Credits17
Summer
XRT 4450 Clinical Practicum II 8
 Credits8
 Total Credits131-132

Second Baccalaureate Degree Track

General Electives and/or Transfer Credits 51
Prerequisite Courses  
Pre-Calculus 3
Principles Chemistry I with Lab 4
Principles Chemistry II with Lab 4
General Physics I with Lab 4
General Physics II with Lab 4
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab 4
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab 4
Medical Ethics 3
Oral and Written Communication 3
Basic Human Nutrition 2
Theology 3
Radiation Therapy  
XRT 4310 Radiation Physics 2
XRT 4320 Radiation Therapy Practice I 3
XRT 4330 Treatment Techniques 3
XRT 4340 Treatment Planning 3
XRT 4350 Clinical Practicum I 10
XRT 4360 Emerging Technologies 2
XRT 4420 Radiation Therapy Practice II 3
XRT 4440 Clinical Dosimetry 3
XRT 4450 Clinical Practicum II 8
XRT 4500 Rad Onc Pat. Care & Qual Manag 3
XRT 4510 Radiobiology/Rad Protection 2
XRT 4960 Capstone in Radiation Therapy 1
Total Credits 127

Program Notes

Second degree option for students with a bachelor's degree:

This 12-month program is identical to the senior year of the degree option. Successful completion leads to a second baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy. This option is designed as an alternative for the student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing radiation therapist in 12 months.

To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.

The application must include evidence of shadowing, observation or documented work experience in the field of radiation therapy.  The applicant must complete the application for the professional year and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website at http://www.slu.edu.

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of the radiation therapist’s role. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of the professional year.

Application to the 12-month option is via a competitive application process with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu