SLU's Radiation Therapy Program Ranked 8th in the Nation

01/29/2021

Best Health Degrees named Saint Louis University (SLU)’s radiation therapy program among the top 25 Best Radiation Science programs. SLU ranked No. 8 in the nation. 

The ranking is a testament to the quality of education students receive at SLU. Amy Harkins, Ph.D., department chair of Clinical Health Sciences in the Doisy College of Health Sciences, said the ranking is well-earned. 

“Faculty invest their time and energy educating tomorrow’s radiation therapists to become highly skilled in the profession,” Harkins said. “SLU is fortunate to have a four-year bachelor’s degree program as it permits our therapists to become leaders in the clinical setting.”

Others in the top 10 included the University of Michigan-Flint, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Programs were rated according to reputation, affordability, and placement in other education ranking publications among other criteria. 

SLU's radiation therapy program 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.

The program offers several curriculum tracks including pre-physician assistant and pre-medicine. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification to become a Registered Radiation Therapist through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Kathy Kienstra, director and an associate professor in SLU’s radiation therapy program, said it’s an honor to receive this prestigious recognition. 

“Students come to our radiation therapy program at SLU for the experienced faculty and clinical rotations at world-class radiation oncology centers where they work with state-of-the-art technologies,” Kienstra said. “These unique qualities prepare our graduates to be the very best radiation therapists and medical professionals.”

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Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 12,000 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place.