Radiation Science or Radiation Therapy: Which is Right for You?
The radiation science major (formerly known as "radiation biology") is designed for students who want to pursue graduate studies in the health sciences and/or biology. Clinical training is not required for radiation science majors.
If you want to work in the medical profession as a radiation therapist, the radiation therapy major (formerly "radiation biology clinical track") will allow you to get practical, hands-on experience in a hospital setting while you earn your degree.
Hands-on Experience with Radiation Therapy
Suffolk's JRCERT accredited program is a collaboration between the Suffolk University physics and biology departments and our world class clinical sites: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, North Shore Cancer Center, Exeter Cancer Care Center (Exeter, NH) and Newton Wellesley Hospital. Our students learn from leaders in the field while earning their clinical experience at some of the finest oncology facilities in the country.
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 radiation therapy program students must be selected by the Radiation Science Committee (consisting of MGH medical personnel and Suffolk University faculty). Students selected for this program must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average. At least a B grade must be achieved for each of the program prerequisites before the interview process, which occurs each spring semester.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the ARRT certification exam for radiation therapy.
Entering the Program
Students who plan to apply for a spot in the radiation therapy program during the spring semester of their sophomore year should be aware that the selection process requires an additional application that 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 3.0 GPA, and official grades demonstrating a "B" or better 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.
All other students entering the program should 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.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Clarke, Acting Program Director
jclarke@suffolk.edu
