Radiation Therapy Schools in Massachusetts

Cian

Last updated at August 20, 2021

There are several educational programs available in Massachusetts that can lead to qualification as a Radiation Therapist. Aspiring students without a first degree can choose from the study at either the associate or bachelor’s degree level.

Holders of a baccalaureate degree in any subject may opt for an accelerated program that leads to a post-graduate certificate in Radiation Therapy. Existing Radiologic Technologists, or Nuclear Medicine Technologists who are seeking additional certification, may also enroll in a certificate program.

View also:

• View radiologic technology schools in Massachusetts
• Learn about radiation therapy education & career requirements

How to obtain professional credentials as a Radiation Therapist in Massachusetts

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the organization that provides membership and professional credentials for qualified Radiation Therapists.

Candidates for membership are required to evidence to ARRT that they have successfully completed the pre-requisite educational requirements and that they meet the ARRT ethical standards. They must then pass the ARRT examination. It is worth noting that candidates for ARRT membership and for Massachusetts state licensure are therefore required to pass two similar, but separate, examinations.

Educational Requirements

An associate degree or higher in any subject is required in order to seek membership from ARRT. In addition, completion of an approved program of education in Radiation Therapy is required. Completion of either an associate or bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy is the easiest way to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.

Ethical Requirements

ARRT requires its members to demonstrate that they are able and willing to uphold its standard of ethics. A record of previous felonies or misdemeanors may disqualify a candidate from becoming a member. Candidates must review the ARRT Standard of Ethics document and answer ethics-related questions on their application.

Examination Requirements

The ARRT examination consists of around 200 questions delivered via a four-hour computer-based examination. The content covers material drawn from the curriculum of Radiation Therapy educational programs and includes topics related to treatment planning and delivery, patient care, concepts of radiation treatment in oncology, and the safe use of radiation techniques. Candidates are required to achieve a scaled score of 75 is in order to pass and only three attempts are permitted in each three-year period.

ARRT members are required to maintain their professional status by completing Continuing Education and Continuing Qualification credits once every two and ten years respectively.

How to become a licensed Radiation Therapist in Massachusetts

Licensure of Radiation Therapists in Massachusetts is managed by the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program. Applicants for a license to practice Radiation Therapy are required to have completed a two-year program in Radiation Therapy accredited by JRCERT, must pass the Massachusetts licensure examination, and must hold professional qualifications from ARRT.

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Accredited Radiation Therapy Schools in Massachusetts

Laboure College

Laboure College is a non-residential specialist healthcare educational institution aligned to the Roman Catholic faith that has been in operation since 1892. The college offers a two-year Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).

The majority of the general education courses are offered partially or fully online while all professional courses take place onsite at the college or at clinical locations. The college has several clinical affiliates located in a variety of hospitals which ensures students gain experience in a variety of facilities and will learn all aspects of conventional treatment. In addition, students will be exposed to innovative techniques such as stereotactic radiation therapy procedures and the use of CT scanning in treatment planning.

Candidates for the program need to meet the general admission requirements for the college and, in addition, are required to evidence either high school or college-level mathematics and biological science courses with a laboratory component.

303 Adams Street

Milton, MA 02186

617-322-3575

Website: https://www.laboure.edu/

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

MCPHS is a private healthcare-focused teaching university offering a wide range of healthcare programs across three campuses in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester, New Hampshire. It has been ranked #1 in the USA for the earning power of its graduates according to the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings for 2018.

The university offers an accelerated 32-month Bachelor of Science program for those without a previous degree, and a 21-month program also leading to a Bachelor of Science for transfer students and holders of an existing baccalaureate. Both programs are delivered at the Boston campus where students have access to laboratories specially designed for skill-building and patient assessment in the radiologic sciences. Clinical internships take place at a wide variety of hospitals, community settings and healthcare agencies across the greater Boston metropolitan area and New England overall. The spread of clinical sites means that the college strongly suggests that students should have access to a personal vehicle.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has accredited the baccalaureate curriculum and the educational program has also been fully approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) ensuring graduates are eligible to take their professional credentialing examination and apply for a state license.

179 Longwood Avenue

Boston, MA 02115

617-879-5964

Website: https://www.mcphs.edu/

Suffolk University

Suffolk University is a private university founded in 1906. Its main campus is located on the downtown edge of the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood in Boston and it also maintains a satellite campus in Madrid, Spain. Its law school is particularly well regarded.

Its primary offering in the Radiation Therapy area is a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. Holders of an existing baccalaureate may apply for enrollment in the Post-Graduate Certificate in Radiation Therapy. To be admitted to either program, students must be selected by the Radiation Therapy Committee. The requirements for selection include a math assessment and a writing sample.

A strong clinical component is the cornerstone of the curriculum with students undertaking 1,300 hours of clinical rotations. These experiences offer students the opportunity to observe the daily responsibilities of radiation therapists, as well as patient care and the operation of treatment machines.

Both programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). Graduates are eligible to apply to take the ARRT certification exam for Radiation Therapy.

The university also offers Radiation Science as both a major and a minor option as part of its Bachelor of Science program. However, these options do not include a clinical component and are suited to students considering a career in research.

73 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02108

617-223-4432

Website: http://www.suffolk.edu/

UMass Memorial Medical Center

UMass Medical Center sponsors this 15-month medical center-based curriculum which is designed for certified radiographers and nuclear medicine technologists seeking additional certification in Radiation Therapy. Candidates are required to hold a minimum of an associate degree, demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.65 from their prior studies, and must already be a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) or have been certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

Completion of the JRCERT accredited program leads to the award of a Certificate in Radiation Therapy and graduates are eligible to apply to take the ARRT examination to obtain their credentials as a Radiation Therapist.

55 Lake Avenue

North Worcester, MA 01655

774-442-5551

Website: https://www.umassmed.edu/radiationoncology/education/

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