Radiation Therapy Program Information

What is Radiation Therapy? 

Radiation Therapy is an allied health profession dedicated to treating malignant disease (usually cancer) with ionizing radiation.  Other conditions such as benign disease may also be treated.

What is a Radiation Therapist?

A radiation therapist performs therapeutic radiation treatments and lends emotional support to cancer patients.  This is done under the direction of a radiation oncologist and a medical physicist.  A radiation therapist may also be involved with the simulation, treatment planning and dosimetry of a course of radiation.

To be successful as a radiation therapist, the student must possess independent judgment and the ability to provide the best possible care to patients and their families.  The treatment of a cancer patient uses a multi-disciplinary approach.  Therefore, the radiation therapist must be able to interact and communicate positively with other health care professionals.

The Program

The Radiation Therapy program is administered through the School of Applied Studies, Department of Allied Health.  The program curriculum at Washburn is an accredited, one calendar year certificate of completion.  Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are registry eligible with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Classes begin in August and finish the following July.  The program consists of required related courses and clinical education.  All students must attend an on-campus RT(T) student orientation session. All students are required to attend the session in order to participate in the program.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The primary focus of the Radiation Therapy Program is to provide personal and professional development of each student.  It is the intent of the program to create an environment for learning which contributes to student development.  This includes stimulating intellectual curiosity and growth, instilling integrity and a sense of responsibility, encouraging the pursuit of quality and enhancing scientific inquiry.

The outcome of the program is for each student to be qualified as an entry-level radiation therapist and be ARRT board eligible.

Admission Criteria

An applicant must be a graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology program and possess the professional designation of RT(R).  A registry eligible student may also be considered for admittance.

Students will complete the online course work and the clinical portion of the program with a Washburn affiliated radiation therapy center.

Please Note:

• At this time, students from New York State cannot apply to the Washburn University Program.
• Students will be required to attend an on-campus orientation session.  Attendance to this on-campus orientation is mandatory.  All students must attend to participate in this program.
• Out-of-State Admissions Application Disclaimer:  The admission of students into a Washburn University degree or certificate program offered online or at sites outside of Kansas is contingent upon the University's compliance with any applicable regulations or laws enacted by those states in which the students reside.  The University is reviewing the regulations imposed by other states in which our current students reside to determine their applicability and the feasibility of complying with such regulations in the future. 

Why Major in Radiation Therapy at Washburn University?

Dedicated to excellence in teaching, Washburn University today is recognized as an outstanding public, urban learning environment.

Washburn University began in 1865 as Lincoln College, a school established by the Congregational Church.  Lincoln College became Washburn College in 1868 in recognition of the financial support of New England philanthropist, Deacon Ichabod Washburn.  In 1941, the citizens of Topeka voted to make Washburn a municipal university.

US News and World Report "America's Best Colleges 2010" ranked Washburn as one of the top mid-western public universities.

Our educational objectives are to prepare individuals for careers and further study in a variety of disciplines for a lifetime of continuous learning.

Washburn has a reputation as a "teaching" university rather than a "research" institution.  More than 90% of our faculty hold doctoral degrees or the highest degree available in their discipline.

Washburn has an enrollment of approximately 7,300 students.

What Careers are Available in Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy is an exciting and dynamic field.  Advancements in technology are dramatically impacting the manner in which radiation therapy is delivered.  Radiation therapists typically enter the workforce as a staff radiation therapist.  Other career opportunities available to radiation therapists that may require additional education and experience include medical dosimetry, medical physics, education, sales, application specialist, healthcare administrator, and locum tenens.