Radiation Therapy

A Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy from Northern Kentucky University prepares students to work in the field of radiation oncology as radiation therapists. Radiation therapy uses various types of radiation, high energy x-rays and radioactive substances to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors and/or alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms. As a radiation therapist, you will deliver the radiation dosage to the patient as prescribed by a radiation oncologist.

Students are admitted into the professional portion of the program (Years 2, 3, 4) through a selective admission process.  Students with the highest ranking based on the following criteria are accepted into the professional portion.

The program application is the second phase in the selective application process and should be completed upon meeting the following requirements:

A minimum 2.8 GPA in all college work attempted, based on a 4.0 scale in the last 30 hours.

Satisfactory completion of the following courses with a grade of C or better for each course:

• BIO 208/L:  Human Anatomy and Physiology
• PHY 110:  Introduction to Physics with Laboratory
• MAT 119 or MAT 129:  Pre-Calculus or Calculus
• ENG 101 and BIO 209/L can be in progress at the time of application. 
• Shadowing is highly recommended.

Additional points are earned in the selection process for:

• Current student or alumni of NKU
• Health care experience
• Shadowing experience in Radiation Oncology
• Previous application to Radiation Therapy

This application is open for the fall and is due no later than February 15th for the following August start.    

Direct patient contact within the Radiation Therapy Program makes it necessary for all students entering the program to provide verification of specific immunizations.  In addition, certain technical standards must be met due to the physically demanding nature of radiation therapy.

All candidates who receive acceptance must provide proof of immunity to and/or immunizations for the following communicable diseases*:

• Rubella
• Rubeola (measles)
• Mumps
• Varicella Zoster (if no history of chicken pox)
• Polio
• Hepatitis B (series of 3 injections)
• A two-step tuberculosis (TB) test (PPd)
• Diptheria/Tetanus
• Influenza, seasonal flu vaccine
• COVID vaccine

*Note:  this list could change based on circumstances out of our control (i.e.:  COVID pandemic); students will be notified of any such changes should they arise.

At NKU, we believe that learning is not confined to the classroom, which is why our Radiation Therapy Program includes clinical practicum courses in seven semesters of the program.

Students must be prepared to travel to clinic sites within a 60 mile radius of NKU.

During the regular school year students are in clinic 2 days/week, 8 hours/day. 

During the summer terms, students are in clinic for 5 weeks, Mon-Th/8 hours/day and Fri/4 hours/day.

• UC Health (University Hospital & UC Health West Chester Hospital)
• The Christ Hospital (Main campus & Montgomery location)
• St. Elizabeth Medical Center
• TriHealth:  Thomas Center, Kenwood, Good Samaritan, Western Ridge, & Butler locations
• Oncology Hematology Care, Inc. (OHC):  West, East, Jewish, Fairfield
• Dayton Physicians Network: Miami Valley Hospital South and Atrium Medical Center locations

• Health Care Provider CPR 2 year Certification: $100
• Annual Drug Screen & Background Check: $90 x 3 years
• First Year Immunizations: $500
• Annual TB Test:  $20 x 3 years
• Annual Flu Vaccine:  $25 x 3 years
• Uniforms:  $200
• Uniform Shoes:  $125
• Annual Monitoring of Requirements:  $35
• Travel Expense to Clinical Sites for Entire Program:  $1,000
• Textbooks:  $855

2021 Estimates

COURSE AND REQUIREMENTS DETAILS

For more information about the School of Allied Health please visit our website.