School of Radiation Therapy

The radiation therapist uses various types of ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer. The primary responsibility of the radiation therapist is to implement the treatments prescribed by a radiation oncologist and planned in conjunction with a physicist and a dosimetrist.

A radiation therapist must have a stable, self-assured personality and must display attributes of compassion, concern, emotional maturity and competence in responding to the emotional and physical needs of the oncology patient.

For more information on careers in radiation therapy: American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Career Preparation

To prepare for a career in radiation therapy, a student must have a strong background in sciences such as anatomy, physiology, math, physics and computer science. A career in radiation therapy also requires the combination of education at a college or university and clinical education in an accredited radiation therapy program. Many colleges and hospitals offer programs in radiation therapy. Those associated with colleges and universities offer either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.

There are two routes of entry into Beaumont School of Radiation Therapy. A minimum of an Associate degree is required for entrance:

Earning a B.S degree: Students complete all B.S. degree related prerequisite courses at Oakland University, apply to our program, and (if accepted) complete the professional didactic and clinical education at Beaumont Health System. At the time of graduation the student will be eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion from Beaumont's School of Radiation Therapy and a B.S. degree from Oakland University. Both are required to take the national registry exam.

Earning an Associate Degree: Students complete all Associate degree related courses at a community college, apply to our program, and (if accepted) complete the professional didactic and clinical education at Beaumont Health System. At the time of graduation the student will be eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion from Beaumont's School of Radiation Therapy. Both the Associate degree and Certificate of Completion are required to take the national registry exam.

For information on the School of Radiation Therapy at Beaumont Hospital, contact:

Laura Ochs, M.Ed., RT(T)
Program Director, Beaumont School of Radiation Therapy
3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073-6769
Phone: 248-551-7156
Fax: 248-551-7166
Email: lochs@beaumont.edu

For more information on accredited radiation therapy programs contact:

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304
Email: mail@jrcert.org