Empower Your Future Career in Health Care
Become a radiation therapist and help physicians treat cancer by earning your Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
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Housed in our College of Health Sciences, our bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy program supports your professional development through a science-backed curriculum, dynamic learning experiences, and personalized guidance from our exceptional CHS staff. Our program also prepares you for the Radiation Therapy Certification Examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Through essential hands-on training in clinical settings, you acquire diverse skills and technological expertise, equipping you to enter the health care workforce and provide quality patient care.
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Why Choose UM-Flint’s Radiation Therapy Program?
Train with Cutting-Edge Technology
Because much of radiation therapists’ work incorporates operating machines, such as linear accelerators, in hospitals and outpatient centers, we prioritize this technical training as a crucial aspect of your professional development. Our classes combine evidence-based practices using the Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Trainer. This cutting-edge tool creates a 3-D virtual radiation treatment room where you can see inside a patient’s body and put your theoretical knowledge into practice.
Get Hands-On Experience through Extensive Clinical Practicums
As a radiation therapy major at UM-Flint, you work with real patients with expert clinicians through clinical practicums. Thanks to the community partnerships U-M has cultivated, you can undertake clinical rotations with well-established partners, including Michigan Medicine, Corewell Health, Ascension St. John Hospital, Ascension Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute, and Brighton Center for Specialty Care.
Receive Personalized Guidance
At UM-Flint, we believe that a strong sense of community has a long-standing impact on your education. That’s why we proudly boast a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. By keeping our class sizes small, we ensure you receive plenty of one-on-one instruction and mentorship from our renowned faculty. Their insight and seasoned expertise can help shape your career trajectory and enrich your experience as a U-M student.
Play a Part in Groundbreaking Research
To cultivate your curiosity, we create varied research opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Both programs empower you to partner with faculty members to conduct cutting-edge research projects and gain practical experience working in collaborative environments. In either a paid or volunteer role, you can develop your hands-on skills to add to your résumé and boost your marketability.
Bachelor’s in Radiation Therapy Program Curriculum
The curriculum for UM-Flint’s BS in Radiation Therapy program offers a comprehensive undergraduate education made up of general education requirements and major-specific courses. Diversify your skills and clinical expertise through traditional coursework, collaborative learning experiences, practicums in medical facilities, and more.
During your first two years at UM-Flint, you enroll in prerequisite courses in human anatomy and physiology, health care ethics, medical terminology, pre-calculus mathematics, and physics. These fundamental classes lay the foundation for higher-level coursework, ensuring you have sound critical thinking skills and an understanding of the health care field.
After completing your prerequisite work, the advanced portion of your radiation therapy program begins the summer before your junior year. This segment lasts 22 consecutive months until April of your senior year and heavily focuses on your professional development. You take specialized courses that explore epidemiology, patient care and management, sectional anatomy in radiation therapy, technical radiation oncology, and radiation physics. Your studies culminate in clinical placements, allowing you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice and work closely with patients and other health care professionals.
Review the bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy curriculum for course descriptions and complete program requirements.
I researched many potential occupations. After reaching out to the Radiation Therapy program director at UM-Flint, I knew it was the right choice for me. I enjoyed the togetherness of the program and the program director always made us feel seen and heard. I very much enjoyed gaining not only the knowledge but the people that came with it. I not only learned radiation therapy but also much needed communication skills that would help me succeed in the work environment. I received multiple job offers right after graduating and felt very prepared for the care I would deliver.”
Jasmine Amador
Radiation Therapy, 2022
Program Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes
Mission
The Radiation Therapy program offers a relevant and respected education, providing high-quality clinical and didactic experiences. Building from a foundation of collaboration and an evidence-based curriculum, students appreciate social and cultural diversity and the importance of lifelong learning and service. This rewarding radiation therapy education is a cornerstone to advancing quality, compassionate cancer care.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be clinically competent.
- Students associate patient positioning with accurate treatment delivery.
- Students can comprehend treatment plans and delineate areas of treatment.
- Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will use practical oral communication skills.
- Students will use effective written communication skills.
- Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Students determine that the patient’s treatment may need to be withheld and needs evaluation by a physician.
- Students can accurately complete treatment-related calculations.
- Students will develop a set of characteristics that support appropriate analysis of diversity and equity in health care practice.
- Students will develop an understanding of social and cultural diversity.
- Students will be able to apply knowledge of diversity and equity into appropriate health care practice.
- Students will evaluate the importance of professional lifelong learning and service.
- Students will demonstrate the importance of professional development.
- Students will demonstrate ethical behaviors in clinical settings.
Academic Advising
Navigating your undergraduate education and the new experiences it entails can be a significant change. UM-Flint’s advisors are here to support you, answer your questions, and connect you to essential resources so you can excel in your degree program and beyond.
Jennifer O’Roark is the dedicated academic advisor for radiation therapy majors. You can contact her at [email protected] or 810-762-3288 or make an appointment with her online.
Careers in Radiation Therapy
With the U.S. population aging and the incidence of cancer rising, the demand for radiation therapists remains strong. As well-trained health professionals, radiation therapists provide safe, quality patient care while ensuring accurate treatment parameters and hospital protocols are followed.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of radiation therapists will grow by two percent through 2032, which remains steady with all other occupations. Additionally, radiation therapists can make a stable income, earning a median salary of $98,300 annually. While radiation therapists’ salaries range from $72,280 to more than $136,910, this heavily depends on their level of education, experience, and location, along with various other factors.
Admission Requirements
There are two admissions processes for entrance into UM-Flint’s radiation therapy degree program, depending on whether you’re a high school student or a current college student.
Students will take general education and pre-professional courses in their first two years. The Radiation Therapy program is a cohort program that starts with two 3-credit courses in the summer semester of the junior year and then full-time for the remainder of the junior and senior years.
Admissions Process for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in UM-Flint’s Radiation Therapy Direct Admission Program, you must:
- Be in your senior year of high school applying for fall admission to UM-Flint.
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
When applying for direct admission, you must:
- Apply to UM-Flint as a pre-radiation therapy major by May 1.
- Submit the Supplemental Radiation Therapy program application by May 1. To request the application, email program director Julie Hollenbeck.
If you meet the requirements, we’ll invite you to attend Direct Admission Day, which is always the second Friday of May. On Direct Admission day, you’ll be interviewed and complete a writing sample.
To prepare for your interview, we recommend increasing your knowledge of the radiation therapy profession before Direct Admission Day.
Once you receive an offer of direct admission, your seat in the radiation therapy program is reserved but not guaranteed. To secure your seat, you must:
- Complete all your college courses at UM-Flint. An exception is granted if you dual enroll while in high school.
- Earn a minimum 2.70 GPA each semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA at UM-Flint.
- Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in BIO 167, BIO 168, PHY 143, and PHY 145.
- Complete two eight-hour observations in a radiation oncology department.
- The seat is held for three years. Most students complete prerequisite courses in two years.
Admissions Process for College Students
If you are applying to the radiation therapy program and are currently a college student, you must complete general education and pre-professional courses with no grade lower than a C by the start of the summer semester in the year you intend to begin the program.
When you are ready to apply, you must complete the following by the Feb. 1 application deadline:
- If you are not already a UM-Flint student, fill out the application for general admission with radiation therapy as the field of study.
- Submit the supplemental radiation therapy program application. To request the application, email the program director, Julie Hollenbeck.
- Submit three references.
- Submit documentation of 16 observation hours in an approved Radiation Therapy Department. To arrange observation, email Julie Hollenbeck.
- Take the ATI TEAS test before the February 1 application deadline. We recommend taking the ATI TEAS test after completing BIO 167 and BIO 168. Learn more about how to register for the ATI TEAS.
- Ensure you meet the physical and technical standards set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
All application materials, including transcripts from other colleges and universities, must be received by February 1 of the year you intend to begin the program. This deadline may be extended, provided the class has not reached its enrollment limit.
The following criteria are used for admission:
- Overall GPA.
- GPAs for BIO 167 and PHY 143.
- Completion of all general education and pre-professional courses with no grade lower than a C by the start of the first summer semester: ENG 112 (COMP), BIO 167, BIO 168, MTH 120, PHY 143, PHY 145, HCR 212, HCR 304, HCR 362, PSY 100, SOC 100, MTP 320, PHL 168 or 162, and one course in Fine Arts.
- Completion of observation hours.
- Submission of references.
- Demonstration of professionalism during advising sessions and required observations.
- Score of ATI TEAS admission exam.
- Interview score.
- Writing and problem-solving scores.
All qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview and the writing and problem-solving test with the Admissions Committee in February. The interviews, conducted by a Radiation Therapy Review Committee, last approximately 40 minutes. At the interview, you’ll be asked 15 to 20 questions about your:
- Background and qualifications
- Interest in radiation therapy
- Work and life experiences
- Radiation oncology observations
Interview scores are based on your communication skills, ability to deal with stressful situations, awareness of the duties of a radiation therapist, and overall characteristics that would be useful in the program.
If you’re interviewed, you’ll receive an email and formal letter from the Radiation Therapy Department within two weeks advising whether you’ve been accepted or denied admission.
Scholarships for Radiation Therapy Students
At UM-Flint, we believe that a quality education can transform lives. Along with receiving financial assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for a broad range of generous scholarships for College of Health Science students. Each one has unique requirements, so please carefully review scholarship details to ensure you qualify.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
UM-Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
The university’s current award is accredited with the next reaffirmation in 2029-2030. More information can be found here.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: [email protected]
The program’s current award is Probation. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
Radiation Therapy Handbook
Radiation Therapy Program Effectiveness Data
Support Patients on Their Health Journey—Become a Radiation Therapist
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy degree program offers the evidence-based education and hands-on training required for a fulfilling career in health care. With your practical expertise and clinical skills, you can help physicians treat cancer and make a life-changing impact on patients and your community.
Excited to take the next step? Submit your UM-Flint application today! Afterward, complete the application for the supplemental radiation therapy program.
Have questions about whether the radiation therapy program is the right fit for you? Please connect with Jennifer O’Roark at [email protected] or 810-762-3288.