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[ Center for the Health Professions ]
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists use cutting edge technology and clinical skills to administer ionizing radiation to fight diseases (predominantly cancer). Elmhurst offers a four-year course of study in radiation therapy in conjunction with Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where students spend their fourth year gaining valuable hands-on experience in this exciting medical field.
What does a radiation therapist do?
Will I need a graduate degree?
What should I major in?
What are the academic requirements?
What about advising?
How do I become certified?
Where can I find additional information?
What does a radiation therapist do?
Radiation therapists collaborate with a diverse health care team to provide treatment to patients in primarily in hospitals and physician clinics. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as a radiation therapist:
- Prepare patients for daily treatments
- Deliver treatments
- Evaluate and monitor treatment delivery equipment
- Perform radiation dose calculations
- Provide high-quality patient care
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team
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Will I need a graduate degree?
No; you can enter the field of radiation therapy without a master’s degree. However, you will need certification.
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What should I major in?
Students preparing for careers in radiation therapy major in biology.
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What are the academic requirements?
You’ll complete three years of college credit at Elmhurst College, then spend your fourth year in clinical/academic education at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Alternatively, you may complete your B.S. degree in biology at Elmhurst and then complete a fifth year of clinical work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
A minimum of 24 courses, with grades of C or higher and a grade-point average (cumulative and prerequisite science courses) of 2.5 must be completed before starting the clinical work at the hospital. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of qualification as a radiation therapist and be eligible to take certifying examinations.
Required courses
BIO 250, 251, 303, 418, 428 and other biology major electives
CHM 211, 212, 311
PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122
MTH 132 and 345 or 346
Recommended courses
CHM 312, 315
MTH 151
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What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.
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How do I get certified?
When you complete your academic and clinical program, you’ll be eligible to take certifying examinations administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
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Where can I find additional information?
You can start by checking the Web site of Northwestern’s School of Radiation Therapy. In addition to information about the Elmhurst/Northwestern program, you will find links to useful resources. For more help, contact Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions.
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