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), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), North Shore Cancer Center, Exeter Cancer Care Center (Exeter, NH) and Netwon Wellesley Hospital. 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.

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

Students who wish to transfer into the Radiation Biology major in the spring semester, and whose intentions are to apply for a position in the clinical track for the Radiation Therapy program should be aware that the selection process requires an additional application which includes an interview with members of the department.  This process will take place during the Spring semester of each year for the classes which begin the following fall semester.  Interested students will need to show proof of a 2.8 GPA (this will be elevated to 3.0 for students entering in Fall 2012), and official grades for Calculus, a majors Biology with a lab, at least one semester of Anatomy and Physiology with a lab, and college or university level Physics with a lab, to be eligible for an interview for the Radiation Therapy Program (Radiation Biology clinical track).
 
All other students entering the program will meet with the program director during Orientation at the beginning of the school year. New students considering the Radiation Therapy program are advised to contact the program director as soon as possible in the admissions process for assistance with course selection and the interview process.

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 1,300 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 Statement

The mission of the Medical Sciences program is to provide a rigorous and comprehensive education to students interested in pursuing careers in Radiation Therapy or Medical Dosimetry.  Students will receive instruction from a multifaceted faculty in diverse clinical settings while using the most advanced technologies to develop exceptional clinical skills that will prepare them for entry level positions.  Graduates of our program will think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate the importance of continued education in maintaining their competence.

Goals

The goals of the program are to graduate students who:

• use critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• are clinically competent
• are able to communicate
• evaluate the importance of professionalism, growth and development
• possess appropriate entry-level employment skills