Medical Science Program

Radiation Biology and Clinical Radiation Therapy

Are you interested in working in the medical profession? Do you want practical, hands-on experience in a hospital setting while pursuing your degree?

Suffolk University’s medical science program is a collaboration between Suffolk University’s physics and biology departments, and the Radiation Oncology department of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Suffolk’s collaboration with these clinics offers students the chance to obtain their clinical experience at some of the best oncology facilities in the country. Better still, the clinics are just a short walk or ride from Suffolk.

The radiation biology degree is designed for those students whose interests are inclined toward pursuing graduate studies in the health sciences and/or biology. 

Clinical Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is the careful administration of highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Through observation and hands-on experience, students will become part of a team of radiation therapists, as they complete their more than 1300 hours of clinical rotations.

At the hospitals, students will observe the daily responsibilities of radiation therapists, as well as patient care and the operation of treatment machines. To become enrolled in the Clinical Radiation Therapy Program students must be selected by the Medical Science Committee (consisting of MGH medical personnel and Suffolk University faculty). Students selected for this program must have and maintain a minimum 2.8 grade point average.

Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the ARRT certification exam for radiation therapy.

Clinical training is not a requirement for the radiation biology major.

Mission

Meet the educational needs of both entering freshman and transfer students interested in pursuing a well-rounded baccalaureate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate while acquiring the clinical skills necessary to function as entry-level radiation therapists.

Goals

• Accept students of the highest caliber.
• Provide a high quality education while promoting personal growth and the development of leadership and communication skills.
• Provide a well-rounded curriculum that enhances the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Graduate students with appropriate entry-level employment skills.