A Detailed Look at Top Online Radiation Therapy Schools

Associate Degrees in Radiation Therapy

The associate degree in radiation therapy is the most popular academic pathway to obtaining the academic and clinical training to be eligible for ARRT certification and registration as a radiation therapist. A small number of radiation associate degree programs (listed below) feature all or part of their general education and/or major-subject coursework online. All programs include substantial (approximately 1,500) clinical hours that must be completed in person at a radiation therapy practice site, usually in the student’s local area.

Like most associate degrees, earning your radiation therapy associate degree requires two years of full-time study, including summer sessions. Mitchell Tech’s one-year, three-semester program (linked below) is the exception. Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a set of prerequisite college-level courses. Some programs also require applicants to have ARRT-registered radiologic technologist certification or be a registry-eligible graduate of a radiologic technology program.

Examples of Accredited Online Radiation Therapy Schools with this Program

Amarillo College

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

Hillsborough Community College

Mitchell Technical College

Bachelor’s Degrees in Radiation Therapy

There are two categories of bachelor’s degrees related to the field of radiation therapy. The first are titled as radiation therapy degrees (such as Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy). These programs may be traditional four-year programs that include all general education requirements or two-year degree completion programs in which students enter the program having previously completed all general ed courses. Like radiation therapy associate degrees, these bachelor’s programs prepare graduates for ARRT certification and registration as radiation therapists, which means they include substantial in-person clinical training requirements.

Online radiation therapy bachelor’s programs are practically nonexistent. However, many campus-based programs include general education coursework that can be completed fully or partially online. Examples include the Kent State University, Thomas Jefferson University, and University of Wisconsin La Crosse programs linked below.

The second type of radiation-therapy-related bachelor’s degrees are those that provide currently certified and registered radiation therapists a way to gain additional specialized skills and earn a full bachelor’s degree, typically with two years of coursework. Since the programs don’t require in-person clinical training, many are available 100% online. Examples include the Morehead State University, Ohio State University, Thomas Edison State University, and University of New Mexico programs linked below.

Examples of Accredited Online Radiation Therapy Schools with this Program

Kent State University

Thomas Jefferson University (BS in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences with Radiation Therapy Concentration)

University of Wisconsin La Crosse (BS in Radiation Therapy)

Morehead State University (BS in Leadership in Medical Imaging)

Ohio State University (AS to BS in Radiologic Sciences)

Thomas Edison State University (BS in Radiation Therapy)

University of New Mexico (BS in Radiologic Science Medical Imaging)

Radiation Therapy Certificates

Radiation therapy certificate programs provide a convenient and cost-effective path for current ARRT-certified radio technologists with a previously earned associate degree to obtain the education and clinical training for ARRT Radiation Therapist certification and registration eligibility. Radiation therapy certificate programs typically require one year of academic coursework and in-person clinical training. Since these programs are specifically focused on providing the requirements for radiation therapist certification, virtually none of them feature coursework that is completed primarily online. The lone exception is the Washburn University program linked below. However, other certificate programs (like Hillsborough Community College’s) may include one or two courses that can be taken online.

Examples of Accredited Online Radiation Therapy Schools with this Program

Hillsborough Community College

Washburn University

Radiation Therapy Master’s Programs

Current radiation therapists interested in advancing their careers will want to consider a master’s degree in dosimetry or radiation sciences leadership. Many of these programs feature academic coursework that is entirely online. Dosimetry master’s students also complete in-person contact hours at a clinical site approved by the degree program. Admission into these master’s programs typically requires a previously earned bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or another radiologic technology-related major. ARRT certification and registration may or may not be required for admission, although noncertified applicants may need to complete additional master’s program requirements.

Examples of Accredited Online Radiation Therapy Schools with this Program

Grand Valley State University (MS in Medical Dosimetry)

Loma Linda University (MS in Radiation Sciences)

Southern Illinois University (MS in Medical Dosimetry)

University of Wisconsin La Crosse (MS in Medical Dosimetry)

Common Radiation Therapy Online Courses

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to the function, structure, and terminology of the human body and its systems. Specific topics covered include: chemistry and cellular structures; tissue and the integumentary system; skeletal system and joints; muscle, muscle tissue, and the muscular system; the central and peripheral nervous systems; the sensory, motor, and integrative systems; and the endocrine system.

Introduction to Radiation Therapy

Overview of the field of professional radiation therapy and the role it plays in cancer management and the delivery of care to cancer patients. Specific topics include radiation therapy and oncology-related medical terminology, patient assessment, radiation safety and protection practices and procedures, charting and documentation, and proper therapist/patient interaction.

Medical Terminology

Review of basic medical words, terms, abbreviations, and symbols used in general medical practice and specific to radiation therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on word origin and structure, definitions, spelling, and pronunciation. Other topics include diagnostic, therapeutic, disease process, and operative terminology, as well as basic health care records.

Radiation Oncology

Introduction to the fundamentals of radiation oncology, including the diagnosis, evaluation, staging, and development of treatment plans for common malignancies in both child and adult cancer patients. Included are discussions of the general principles of oncological radiation therapy and its side effects, the relationship of radiation therapy to other treatment modalities (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery), and psychological and ethical principles related to interacting with cancer patients and their families.

Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

Examination of the fundamental principles of radiation physics, including radioactivity, ionizing radiation, and radiation dosimetry (the process of measuring dosage and optimizing delivery of ionizing radiation to the human body). Topics covered include the production of ionizing radiation, mechanisms of radioactive decay, the protocols for proper dosage measurement, and the imaging and treatment equipment used in clinical care of cancer patients.

How much does online radiation therapy school cost?

Costs for online radiation therapy schools and the degrees and certificates they offer vary from school to school, sometimes substantially. This is due to factors such as program type and length and whether the school is public or private. Private programs tend to cost more than their public counterparts. We’ve listed current tuition rates for three radiation therapist online programs. These figures will give you a general idea of costs for the program you choose.

Amarillo College

AAS in Radiation Therapy

Total Credits: 65

$89/creditn (in-district);
$132/credit (out-of-district);
$196/credit (out-of-state)*

*Figures are approximate, based on an average of 11 credits per semester.

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

AS in Radiation Therapy

Total Credits: 89

$474/credit

Washburn University

Radiation Therapy Certificate

Total Credits: 40

$379/credit

Can you get a radiation therapy degree completely online?

In a word: no. But there are radiation therapy degree and certificate programs that offer some or (in a few cases) all their academic coursework in an online format. The extent of online content depends on the particular school and, most significantly, the degree you’re seeking. Plus, all radiation therapy degree and certificate programs that lead to ARRT Radiation Therapy certification and registration eligibility include the in-person clinical hours needed for that eligibility.

Is financial aid available for online radiation therapy programs?

Generally speaking, yes. Many schools themselves offer their students scholarship and grant opportunities and may even provide their own loan programs. More common student loans, like those from the federal government, are available to radiation therapy degree students whose programs are properly accredited (including all of the degree programs mentioned in this guide). Other funding resources such as work-study and employee tuition reimbursement programs may also be available.

To learn more about how to fund your radiation therapist online program, be sure to check out EduMed’s financial aid, scholarships, and student loan guides.

Radiology Tech Programs

Radiology technologists (aka radiologic technologists or radiographers) are medical professionals who perform a number of diagnostic imaging procedures (x-rays, mammographies, CT exams, etc.). ARRT certification and registration is required to practice as a radiology tech in the U.S. To gain your certification, choose from dozens of on-campus and online radiologic technologist associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate certificate programs.

Visit EduMed’s Inside the Top Accredited Rad Tech Programs Online guide to learn more about becoming a certified radiology technologist.

MRI Tech Programs

MRI technologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in operating medical resonance imaging scanners, which produce images used in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases and illnesses. Like radiology techs, there are dozens of on-campus and online associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and postsecondary certificate programs available that provide the coursework and training for ARRT MRI Technologist certification and registration.

For more on becoming an MRI tech, visit EduMed’s online MRI tech programs guide.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Programs

Nuclear medicine technologists are healthcare professionals responsible for preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals to patients to create images used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and diseases. Most nuclear medicine technologists enter their careers after earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology or by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in a closely related major plus a nuclear medicine technology certificate. Some of these programs (particularly those for associate degrees and certificates) feature some or all their academic coursework online. However, all programs include in-person clinical training at hospitals or similar healthcare facilities.

To learn more about nuclear medicine technologist education programs and careers, be sure to check out EduMed’s guide to nuclear medicine technologist online schools.