This piece is dedicated to unravelling the top 10 best radiation therapy schools online in 2023.
Are you interested in a demanding and rewarding career that involves supporting patients as they struggle to recover from serious illnesses? How about one that doesn’t necessitate years of graduate school but also offers good pay and genuine growth potential?
If this describes you, consider considering becoming a radiation therapist. Medical professionals known as radiation therapists treat cancer patients in their communities at cutting-edge medical facilities with vital radiation therapy.
You must obtain your professional radiation therapist certification to work as a radiation therapist. To do that, you must finish a radiation therapy degree or certificate program with full accreditation.
This manual explains how you can benefit from the convenience and adaptability of distance learning to obtain the radiation therapy training you require.
You can find important information to get started on your program search below, including a ranking of the top online radiation therapy programs and a list of the various kinds of partially online programs available.
You should check out our list of the top 20 hardest degrees and courses.
Additionally, you’ll receive the most recent details on pay for radiation therapy, employment opportunities, and much more. Read on to discover how obtaining your radiation therapist online degree can help you start a career in radiation therapy.
Top 10 Best Radiation Therapy Schools Online
To help you understand what to look for in a program that’s right for you, we researched universities nationwide to compile a list of the top online radiation therapy schools.
Based on several crucial factors, including affordability, adaptability, convenience, accessibility to student support services, and appropriate accreditation, these programs rose to the top. Below are the top online radiation therapy schools:
- Southern Illinois University
- University of New Mexico – Main Campus
- Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Washburn University
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
- Roane State Community College
- Mid Michigan College
- North Central Technical College
- James A. Rhodes State College
- Amarillo College
1. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
The Southern Illinois University bachelor’s program should be considered by anyone who wants to pursue a career in radiation therapy. The Carbondale campus is the location of this degree. It is first on our list of the best radiation therapy schools online.
While some courses can only be taken in person, others have some online components but require 100% in-person attendance.
The curriculum consists of foundational radiation therapy courses and higher-level courses after a student has fulfilled the requirements for general education. Before their first year, students can apply for the program and transfer in during their second year.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
- Credits: 120
- Length: About 4 years
- Cost: $321.25/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
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2. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
- Albuquerque, NM
Coming up next on this list of the best radiation therapy schools online. The University of New Mexico offers a distinctive radiologic science completion program. Despite being housed on the main campus, the degree is entirely online, so students can skip the campus to finish it.
The duration of this bachelor of science degree is typically under two years. This is so that those with a certificate or associate degree in medical imaging can complete their education.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science
- Credits: 123-130
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $283.46/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
3. Kent State University at Ashtabula
Ashtabula, OH
As one of the top radiation therapy schools online, The Ashtabula campus of Kent State University offers an associate’s degree in radiologic technology for students interested in medical imaging careers.
With this two-year degree, students delve into the fundamentals of computer tomography, radiation therapy, medical sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Although the mammography coursework can be completed online, most classes are offered on campus because the degree requires hands-on work with medical equipment. Students can easily transfer after they graduate to the university’s bachelor’s program in this area if they so choose.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Radiologic Technology
- Credits: 67
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost $239.46/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
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4. Washburn University
Topeka, KS
A comprehensive bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy is available from Washburn University. This degree is an accelerated online option perfect for anyone looking to become a radiation therapist.
As one of the top online radiation therapy schools, it is designed for students with an associate degree from an accredited radiography program. Students enroll in academic courses during the fall and spring semesters; most are taken online, though some may call for on-site labs.
Students complete a real-world clinical experience over the summer, putting what they learn in the classroom into practice.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
- Credits: 40
- Length: About 1 year
- Cost: $322/credit (in-state) | $715/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
5. University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
- Oklahoma City, OK
A medical imaging and radiation science bachelor’s degree is offered entirely online by the University of Oklahoma, and it deserves to be mentioned as one of the best radiation therapy schools online.
Since this degree is intended for professionals already employed in the field, classroom theory rather than practical application of concepts is the main focus of the curriculum.
As a result, it is possible to earn the degree virtually without ever setting foot on campus. A nuclear medicine, radiography, radiation therapy, or sonography-related associate degree or other professional certificate is required of applicants.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Science
- Credits: 61
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $179.25/credit (in-state) | $575.65/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
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6. Roane State Community College
Harriman, TN
The hybrid program structure at Roane State Community College, which offers online learning options but brings students into the classroom when it matters, benefits students who study radiological technology.
Students study professional ethics, best practices, and the underlying science of radiology throughout the five-semester program. Roane State also provides specialized computed tomography and mammography courses for registered technicians looking to advance their credentials.
Program Highlights:
Radiologic Technology AAS
- Credits: 75
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $176/credit (resident) and $726/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: JRCERT
7. Mid Michigan College
Harrison, MI
The radiography program at Mid Michigan College is committed to preparing students for in-demand positions in their neighborhood. The school first offers a hybrid-model AAS in Radiography to prepare students for their license exams.
Online post-licensure programs in MRI, CT, and EEG technology are also maintained by the school in collaboration with other schools across the state. The school’s 100% job placement rate for 2022 graduates demonstrates its focus on in-demand career training.
Program Highlights:
Neurodiagnostic Technology (EEG)
- Credits: 61
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $142/credit (in-district) and $237/credit (out-of-district)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: JRCERT
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8. Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI
The radiography program at Northcentral Technical College provides high flexibility levels to aid students in completing their studies as soon as possible. The hybrid structure of the program makes it possible to learn online whenever possible.
Attending live classes at one of the six partner campuses spread throughout Wisconsin allows students to customize their education to their geographic location further. Finally, the school grants credit that may be applied to some core courses in recognition of the experience its students bring to the classroom.
Program Highlights:
Radiography AAS
- Credits: 66
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $10,612 program tuition
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: JRCERT
9. James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, OH
Coming up next on the list of the best radiation therapy schools on line is the program offered by the James A. Rhodes State College.
The radiography imaging program at Rhodes State College strongly emphasizes producing well-rounded radiography technicians who are prepared to work in any environment.
To accomplish this, the school has developed a broad curriculum that includes experiential learning and clinical experiences at various sites. Coursework encourages critical thinking, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in online and traditional classroom settings.
Because of this thorough curriculum, 94% of graduates succeed in earning their AART certification for the first time.
Program Highlights:
Radiographic Imaging, AAS
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $190/credit (in-state) and $380/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: JRCERT
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10. Amarillo College
- Texas
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiation Therapy program at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas, combines 100% online general education courses with in-person clinical training totaling about 1,500 clock hours. In the United States, radiation therapy clinics hold clinics during the week.
Most students finish all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester of their sophomore year after completing the 77 semester hours of the program, which takes two years of full-time study.
Graduates of the program are also eligible to take the national exam for certification and registration in radiation therapy through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and receive an AAS degree.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has regionally accredited Amarillo College, making it one of the top radiation therapy schools online.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has accredited the radiation therapy program at Amarillo College.
Associate Degrees in Radiation Therapy
The most common academic route to earning the academic and clinical training necessary to qualify for ARRT certification and registration as a radiation therapist is an associate degree in radiation therapy.
Only some associate degree programs in radiation (listed below) offer all or some of their general education and major-subject coursework online. All programs require extensive clinical hours (roughly 1,500) to be finished in person at a radiation therapy practice site, typically in the student’s neighborhood.
Radiation therapy associate degrees require two years of full-time study, including summer sessions, similar to most associate degrees. The one-year, three-semester program at Mitchell Tech (linked below) is an exception.
A high school diploma or its equivalent and the successful completion of several prerequisite college-level courses are frequently required for admission. Some programs also call for candidates to hold an ARRT-registered radiologic technologist certification or to have completed a radiologic technology program and be eligible for the registry.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy
In the area of radiation therapy, bachelor’s degrees fall into two different categories. First, some degrees are specifically for radiation therapy, like a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy.
These programs can be traditional four-year programs with all general education requirements or two-year degree completion programs where students enter with all general education requirements already satisfied.
These bachelor’s programs in radiation therapy prepare students for ARRT certification and registration as radiation therapists, so they also have a lot of in-person clinical training requirements.
There are only a few bachelor’s degrees in radiation therapy offered online. On the other hand, many campus-based programs offer general education courses that can be finished entirely or in part online. University of Wisconsin, Thomas Jefferson University, and Kent State University are a few examples.
The second category of bachelor’s degrees in radiation therapy offers radiation therapists already certified and registered a way to advance their education and obtain a full bachelor’s degree, usually after two years of study. Many programs are 100% online because they don’t call for on-site clinical training.
Radiation Therapy Certificates
Radiation therapy certificate programs offer a practical and affordable route for current ARRT-certified radio technologists with an associate degree who want to become eligible for ARRT Radiation Therapist certification and registration.
In-person clinical training and a year of academic study are typically requirements for radiation therapy certificate programs.
Nearly none of these programs offer coursework primarily completed online because they are all specifically designed to meet the requirements for radiation therapist certification.
The program at Washburn University, linked below, is the lone exception. However, some certificate programs (like the one offered by Hillsborough Community College) might have one or two online courses.
Radiation Therapy Master’s Programs
A master’s degree in dosimetry or radiation sciences leadership is something that practicing radiation therapists should think about pursuing if they want to advance their careers. Many of these programs include entirely online academic coursework.
The clinical site is where dosimetry master’s students spend their in-person contact hours, which the degree program requires.
Radiation therapy or another major closely related to radiologic technology is typically required for admission into these master’s programs.
It may or may not be necessary for applicants to be ARRT certified and registered to be admitted; however, noncertified candidates may need to fulfill additional master’s program requirements.
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What Do You Learn in an Online Radiation Therapist Program?
The role of a radiation therapist is to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipment to deliver prescribed radiation doses to cancer patients. And that’s what you’ll learn to do in your radiation therapist online degree or certificate program.
Students learn how to explain treatment procedures to patients, position patients correctly for treatment, administer the correct doses of radiation, watch patients for unusual treatment reactions, and keep accurate treatment records through coursework and practical training at cutting-edge treatment facilities.
Every online radiation therapy program establishes its own program goals in a statement of learning outcomes that looks something like this:
- Clinical competence
Demonstrated clinical competency in all of the tasks and responsibilities of a beginning radiation therapist, including the use of appropriate clinical practices, the application of suitable radiation protection principles and practices, and the use of suitable legal and ethical practice standards.
- Communication
Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal and effective communication when interacting with clients and other oncology team members inside and outside the clinical setting.
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities have proven effective in academic and professional radiation therapy practice settings. These include the capacity to identify and address problems with patient care in both common and uncommon situations.
Radiation Therapy Schools Online (Conclusion)
In conclusion, when it comes to pursuing a career in radiation therapy, the availability of online education has opened up new avenues of learning and advancement.
The top 10 best radiation therapy schools online offer diverse programs that cater to the needs of aspiring radiation therapists. These schools provide a high-quality education and offer the flexibility and convenience that many students require in today’s fast-paced world.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking to make a career change, these online programs offer the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in radiation therapy.
With the advancements in technology and the dedication of educators, online learning has become a viable and effective option.
So, if you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and contributing to the healthcare field, consider exploring the top radiation therapy schools online.
Your journey toward a rewarding and fulfilling career in radiation therapy awaits, and these institutions are ready to support you every step of the way.
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