Radiation Therapy (A.S.) (2163)

The radiation therapist assists in the treatment of cancer patients. Working as part of a health care team, supervised by a radiation oncologist, the radiation therapist positions the patient for treatment, performs the necessary mathematical calculations to determine the radiation dosage, and delivers the radiation treatments utilizing highly sophisticated equipment.

The demand for skilled, registered radiation therapists is nationwide and expected to increase in the future. With advanced training/education, radiation therapists also have opportunities to pursue careers in dosimetry, medical physics, teaching, and administration.

Upon completion of this two-year degree program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) board examination in Radiation Therapy. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level practitioners. A state license will also be required in order to work in most states.

Eligibility requirements for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy and for the primary pathway to MRI and Sonography will - effective January 1, 2015 - call for candidates to have earned an associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by ARRT.

ARRT believes that general education courses required for an academic degree will provide a firm foundation to support the evolving role of the technologist and the lifelong learning necessitated by the increasing rate of technological change. Quantitative and communication skills and understanding of human behavior that are acquired through general education are believed by ARRT to have value in continuing to shape professionalism and advancement of a Registered Technologist’s role in healthcare.

The degree will not need to be in radiologic sciences, and it can be earned before entering the educational program or after graduation from the program. The degree requirement will apply to graduates on or after January 1, 2015. It must be granted by an institution accredited by a mechanism recognized by ARRT. A list of accrediting agencies currently recognized is available on the ARRT website. Individuals who complete a recognized non-degree granting program prior to that date will not be subject to the degree requirement.

If you are considering employment in a state other than Florida, click here to ensure the program curriculum meets the requirements to sit for licensure or certification testing in that state.