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Radiation Therapy

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Why pursue a radiation therapy degree at North Central College?

Our radiation therapy program is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, biology, radiobiology, radiation safety, anatomy, and patient care to administer targeted doses of ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Radiation therapists work for hospitals, clinics, and technical companies within the allied health profession industry. Advanced career opportunities exist in fields including education, administration, and research.

Daily tasks of radiation therapists include: Reviewing prescriptions and diagnosis; preparing patients for daily radiation treatment; delivering daily radiation treatment; evaluating and monitoring treatment-delivery equipment; performing radiation dose calculations; assisting in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization; providing high-quality patient care; and, collaborating with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

North Central College's degree program in Radiation Therapy prepares students for a career as a radiation therapist through a 3+1 program with NM School of Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Our students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 14-month program of study (35 credits) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a degree in Radiation Therapy.

Admission to the final year of the degree program is based upon successful application to the NM School of Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in January of junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by the faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the degree program is not guaranteed.

Students intending to major in Radiation Therapy must meet with the Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator or the Chemistry Department Chair for the most recent information. Prerequisite courses and other requirements are subject to change.

You can also:

  • Conduct scientific research and present your findings at local, regional and national science conferences.
  • Build connections with healthcare employers and radiation therapists near our conveniently located Naperville campus.
  • Work with a dedicated pre-health advisor.

Radiation Therapy, B.S.

Radiation therapy is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, biology, radiobiology, radiation safety, anatomy and patient care to administer targeted doses of ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Radiation therapists work for hospitals, clinics, and technical companies within the industry. Advanced career opportunities exist in fields including education, administration, and research.

Daily tasks of radiation therapists include: Reviewing prescription and diagnosis; preparing patients for daily radiation treatments; delivering daily radiation treatments; evaluating and monitoring treatment-delivery equipment; performing radiation dose calculations; assisting in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization; providing high-quality patient care; and collaborating with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

North Central College's degree in Radiation Therapy prepares students for a career as a radiation therapist through a 3+1 program with NM School of Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 14-month program of study (35 credits) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a degree in Radiation Therapy.

Admission to the final year of the program is based upon successful application to the NM School of Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in January of junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by the faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program is not guaranteed.

Students intending to major in Radiation Therapy must meet with the Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator or the Chemistry Department Chair for the most recent information. Prerequisite courses and other requirements are subject to change.

For additional information about this program, see Chemistry and Physics.

Required Courses

Advanced Courses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Upper-level coursework taken during the 14-month program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital includes 34 credit hours in courses such as Management and Methods of Patient Care, Radiation Safety and Protection, Medical Imaging and Technology, Radiation Therapy Physics, Radiation Biology, Introduction to Computed Tomography, Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy, Quality Management, Technical Radiation Therapy, Operational Issues in Radiation Therapy, and Clinical Practicum.

Physics Sequence

One of the following sequences:

Non-Calculus

Calculus-Based

Radiation Therapy Internships and Jobs

North Central's program goal is to integrate career preparation with rich academic study. You'll have the opportunity to shadow clinical experiences in person to gain a thorough understanding of radiologic processes. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge of critical thinking in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn about radiographic procedures, how to think independently, and how to work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • Radiation Therapist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Invest in your future

Choosing the right radiation therapy schools in Illinois is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team are here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family so you can begin your path to becoming a radiologic technologist.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for radiation therapy schools in Illinois

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central radiology student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying to one of our degree programs by selecting the group you belong to below.