Radiation Therapy Programs in NY with School Overviews

There are 5 colleges within New York that have radiation therapy programs. Read an overview of the 5 schools' programs, requirements and tuition info and find out which school is the right one for you.

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Radiation Therapy Options in New York

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to treat cancer and other diseases. Aspiring radiation therapists must have at least a 12-month certificate in radiation therapy, but having with an associate's or a bachelor's degree is preferred. To become a radiation therapist in New York, applicants must file an application with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection after completing an accredited program and passing a written exam (www.labor.ny.gov).

The following includes the 5 schools in New York that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Erie Community College

Erie Community College in Buffalo is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers an Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology: Radiation Therapy Technology. Through the degree program, students learn to use radiotherapy to treat diseases, such as cancer, often with surgery or chemotherapy. They complete roughly 2,200 hours of clinical experiences at hospitals and other facilities through the 24-month program. Course topics cover radiotherapy technology, radiologic physics, radiation biology and legal issues in health care, and students complete labs and clinical experiences. This prepares learners to deliver radiation therapy treatments, observe patients' reactions to treatment, use treatments safely and keep records of treatment.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Through the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's School of Radiation in New York City, students can earn a 2-year Certificate in Radiation Therapy. The school was established in 1970 and is committed to preparing students to become clinically competent and effective radiation therapists. To be admitted into the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least an associate's degree from an accredited college. Courses include 2 clinical setups, radiation physics, patient care methods, ethics in radiation therapy, introductory radiation therapy, medical terminology and treatment planning.

Nassau Community College

At SUNY Nassau Community College, residents of the Garden City area can select from an Associate in Applied Science in Radiation Therapy Technology. The program includes 3 summer semesters. Students learn to treat cancer patients with various oncologist-ordered treatments and therapies. Courses address quality assurance, treatment techniques, radiation therapy, radiation biology and treatment planning. Students can also join the Radiologic Technology Club.

New York Methodist Hospital

Brooklyn's New York Methodist Hospital offers a Certificate in Radiation Therapy through the School of Radiation Therapy. Students learn to design and follow a treatment plan, use radiation safely, communicate with other professionals and make decisions pertaining to radiation administration. They complete classes 2-3 days per week and complete clinical rotations 2-3 days per week.

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Upstate Medical University, which is part of the SUNY system, is located in Syracuse. The university offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Radiation Therapy. The program prepares students to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment, which includes administering daily treatments for 7 weeks. Courses include research and teaching methods, pathology, radiation therapy, oncology essentials, radiation oncology imaging, patient care, treatment applications and radiation therapy physics. Students must also complete clinical simulations, clinical internships and seminars in radiation therapy in at least 3 different radiation oncology departments.

School Comparison Table

School Name School Type and Setting Radiation Therapy Degree Programs Offered Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2012-13)
Erie Community College 2-year, public; large city Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology: Radiation Therapy Technology $4,444 in-state, $8,344 out-of-state*
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 2-year, private not-for-profit; large city Certificate in Radiation Therapy $4,500
Nassau Community College 2-year, public; large suburb Associate of Applied Science in Radiation Therapy Technology $4,495 in-state, $8,485 out-of-state*
New York Methodist Hospital 2-year, private not-for-profit; large city Certificate in Radiation Therapy $17,025*
SUNY Upstate Medical University 4-year, public; midsized city Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy,
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Radiation Therapy 		$6,220 in-state, $15,470*

Source: *NCES College Navigator

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