If you want to become a radiation therapist, you will need to complete an educational program in radiation therapy and meet the requirements for professional certification and, depending on where you live, state licensure.
For most people entering the profession through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) primary pathway, this means earning an associate degree or higher and completing an ARRT-approved radiation therapy educational program. The associate degree itself does not have to be in radiation therapy, but your education must include an approved program in the discipline you want to practice.
Radiation therapy programs combine classroom instruction with clinical education. Students learn about subjects such as anatomy, radiation physics, radiation safety, patient care, treatment procedures, and oncology before completing hands-on clinical requirements.
After completing the educational requirements, aspiring radiation therapists must also meet ARRT’s ethics and examination requirements. Most states also require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified.
What Degree Is Required to Become a Radiation Therapist?
You generally need an associate degree or bachelor’s degree along with an approved radiation therapy education program to pursue ARRT certification through the primary pathway.
There are several ways an educational path can be structured, but students commonly encounter:
- Associate degree programs in radiation therapy
- Bachelor’s degree programs in radiation therapy
- Other approved educational arrangements that include the required radiation therapy coursework and clinical training
The most important factor is not simply the title of the degree. You should make sure the program you choose meets the educational requirements for the credential you plan to pursue.
ARRT specifically states that candidates using its primary pathway must earn an associate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized accrediting agency and complete an ARRT-approved educational program in the same discipline as the credential they are pursuing.
Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree for Radiation Therapy
| Education | Typical purpose | Potential advantage |
| Associate degree | Entry into radiation therapy | Can provide a relatively direct path into the profession |
| Bachelor’s degree | Entry into radiation therapy and broader undergraduate education | May provide additional opportunities for advancement or further education |
| Bachelor’s degree in another field + approved radiation therapy education | Career changers or students who already have a bachelor’s degree | May allow students to build on previous college education |
A bachelor’s degree is not automatically required simply because you want to become a radiation therapist. The ARRT primary pathway requires an associate degree or higher, not specifically a bachelor’s degree.
However, choosing between an associate and bachelor’s program is still an important decision. Consider the amount of education you want, your previous college credits, your career plans, and the requirements of employers and licensing authorities where you plan to work.
Can You Become a Radiation Therapist With an Associate Degree?
Yes. An associate degree can meet the degree-level requirement for ARRT’s primary pathway, provided you also complete an appropriate ARRT-approved radiation therapy educational program and meet the other certification requirements.
This makes radiation therapy an option for students who want to enter a specialized healthcare profession without first completing a four-year bachelor’s degree.
For example, imagine a student who has completed high school and wants to work in cancer care. Rather than earning a general bachelor’s degree and then figuring out how to obtain the required radiation therapy education, the student could enroll in an approved radiation therapy program that awards an associate degree. After completing the required classroom and clinical education, the student could move on to the certification and licensing steps.
The exact path varies by school and state, so prospective students should verify that the specific program they are considering meets ARRT and state requirements.
Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree to Become a Radiation Therapist?
Not necessarily.
ARRT’s primary pathway requires an associate degree or higher. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree is not a universal requirement for initial ARRT certification in radiation therapy.
That said, a bachelor’s degree can make sense for some students.
A bachelor’s program may be worth considering if you:
- Want a four-year college education
- Are interested in eventually pursuing graduate education
- Want additional opportunities for professional advancement
- Already have substantial college coursework
- Prefer a bachelor’s-level healthcare education
- Are considering leadership, education, or other roles later in your career
The best choice depends on your starting point and goals. Someone who wants the most direct educational route into the profession may choose an associate-level radiation therapy program, while another student may prefer a bachelor’s program from the beginning.
What Should You Major in to Become a Radiation Therapist?
If you know you want to become a radiation therapist, look for a radiation therapy program rather than assuming any healthcare-related major will qualify you.
This distinction matters.
A degree in biology, health science, nursing, or another healthcare field may provide useful background knowledge, but it does not automatically provide the radiation therapy education and clinical training needed to become a radiation therapist.
ARRT requires candidates pursuing the primary pathway to complete an ARRT-approved educational program in the discipline for which they are seeking certification.
Your degree and your professional education are therefore related but not always identical concepts.
What if You Already Have a College Degree?
Having a previous degree does not necessarily mean you need to start college from scratch.
For example, suppose you earned a bachelor’s degree in biology several years ago and have decided that you want to work in radiation therapy. You may still need to complete an approved radiation therapy educational program and its clinical requirements. Your existing degree could satisfy the degree-level component of the ARRT primary pathway if it meets ARRT’s accreditation requirements, but it does not replace the required radiation therapy education.
Talk with the radiation therapy program you’re considering about transfer credits and prerequisites before enrolling.
What Do You Learn in a Radiation Therapy Degree Program?
Radiation therapy education combines science, technology, patient care, and clinical practice.
Coursework varies by school, but students can expect to study subjects related to:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Radiation physics
- Radiation biology
- Radiation protection and safety
- Patient care
- Medical terminology
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Treatment procedures
- Treatment planning
- Radiation therapy equipment
- Professional ethics
- Clinical practice
ARRT maintains specific didactic and clinical competency requirements for radiation therapy candidates. These requirements are designed to ensure that students develop both the classroom knowledge and clinical skills needed for the profession.
Radiation therapists also need to understand how to work safely with radiation while providing care to people who may be undergoing treatment for cancer or other conditions.
Do Radiation Therapy Programs Include Clinical Training?
Yes. Clinical education is an important part of preparing to work as a radiation therapist.
Students don’t learn the profession entirely from textbooks or online lectures. Radiation therapy programs include opportunities to develop practical skills in a clinical setting.
Depending on the program, students may learn how to:
- Position patients for treatment
- Follow treatment protocols
- Operate radiation therapy equipment
- Apply radiation safety procedures
- Communicate with patients
- Verify treatment information
- Work with members of an oncology care team
- Perform required clinical competencies
ARRT requires candidates to complete specified clinical competencies and relevant coursework through their educational program.
This clinical component is one reason prospective students should look beyond a program’s degree title when comparing schools. You want to know where and how clinical education will be completed and whether the program prepares you to meet certification requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiation Therapist?
The time required depends on your education level, previous college coursework, prerequisites, and the program you choose.
An associate-level radiation therapy program can provide a relatively direct path for students starting without a college degree. A bachelor’s degree generally takes longer but provides a broader undergraduate education.
Your path may look like this:
Start with no college degree:
- Complete any required prerequisites.
- Enroll in an approved radiation therapy program.
- Complete classroom coursework.
- Complete clinical education.
- Earn an associate degree or higher.
- Meet ARRT’s ethics requirements.
- Apply for and pass the ARRT radiation therapy examination.
- Meet your state’s licensing or certification requirements.
- Begin working as a radiation therapist.
Already have a bachelor’s degree:
- Review your previous coursework with radiation therapy programs.
- Complete any required prerequisites.
- Complete an approved radiation therapy educational program.
- Complete clinical requirements.
- Meet ARRT certification requirements.
- Complete any applicable state licensing requirements.
- Apply for radiation therapist positions.
The biggest mistake to avoid is assuming that the shortest academic program is automatically the fastest route into the profession. A program that does not meet certification or state requirements could leave you with additional education to complete later.
Do Radiation Therapists Need to Be Certified?
In the United States, many radiation therapists pursue certification and registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
ARRT’s primary pathway has three major components:
- Education
- Ethics
- Examination
For education, candidates must earn an associate degree or higher and complete an ARRT-approved educational program in radiation therapy. They must also meet ARRT’s ethics requirements and pass the appropriate examination.
The radiation therapy certification process is separate from earning your college degree. Completing a degree does not, by itself, mean you are automatically an ARRT-certified radiation therapist.
ARRT also publishes discipline-specific requirements for radiation therapy, including didactic coursework and clinical competencies.
Do Radiation Therapists Need a License?
State requirements vary.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most states require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified, often involving a national certification examination.
If you know where you want to work, check that state’s requirements before choosing a program.
This is especially important for students considering online, hybrid, or out-of-state programs. A program can be legitimate and still not be the best choice for you if its education does not satisfy the requirements for the state where you intend to practice.
Does Accreditation Matter for a Radiation Therapy Program?
Yes. Accreditation is one of the things you should investigate before enrolling.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits educational programs in radiation therapy as well as several other radiologic sciences. JRCERT says its accreditation process is intended to provide assurance that programs meet specific quality standards related to education and patient care.
JRCERT’s program directory allows prospective students to search radiation therapy programs by factors such as:
- Program type
- Degree or certificate
- State
- Accreditation status
- Delivery method
The directory includes both associate and bachelor’s degree options.
Not every radiation therapy program is necessarily JRCERT-accredited because programmatic accreditation is voluntary. JRCERT itself advises students to use its program search to identify programs with current accreditation status.
What Should You Check Before Enrolling?
Before applying, ask the program:
- Is the radiation therapy program currently accredited?
- Does it meet ARRT educational requirements?
- Does it provide the clinical education required for certification?
- What credential will I earn?
- Is the program eligible for students who want to pursue ARRT certification?
- Will graduates meet the requirements for the state where I plan to work?
- Where are clinical rotations completed?
- How competitive is admission?
- What prerequisites are required?
- What percentage of students complete the program?
- What are the program’s certification examination outcomes?
These questions can help you compare programs based on more than tuition or program length.
Can You Become a Radiation Therapist Online?
Some radiation therapy programs may offer portions of their coursework online or through distance education, but students should be cautious about programs that suggest radiation therapy can be completed entirely online without hands-on clinical education.
Radiation therapy is a patient-care profession that requires practical training. ARRT’s requirements include both didactic education and clinical competencies.
JRCERT also recognizes that accredited programs can use traditional and distance-delivery formats, but the format does not eliminate the need to meet the applicable educational and clinical standards.
If you are considering an online or hybrid program, ask specifically:
How will I complete my required clinical training, and will the program make arrangements for those clinical experiences?
That’s a more useful question than simply asking whether the program is “online.”
Is Radiation Therapy a Good Career Choice?
Radiation therapy may be a good fit for someone who wants a specialized healthcare career that combines technology, science, and direct patient care.
You may enjoy this career if you:
- Like science and technology
- Want to work directly with patients
- Are interested in cancer care
- Enjoy precise, structured work
- Are comfortable learning specialized equipment
- Want a healthcare career without becoming a physician
- Can communicate effectively with patients who may be experiencing significant stress
It may be less appealing if you strongly prefer a career with little patient interaction or don’t want to work in an oncology environment.
What to Consider with a Career in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be technically demanding, but the emotional side of the job also matters. Patients may return for multiple treatment sessions over several weeks, meaning therapists can develop ongoing relationships with the people they treat.
Someone considering this career should therefore evaluate both sides of the job: the technology and science involved in delivering radiation safely and the human side of helping patients through cancer treatment.
Steps to Become a Radiation Therapist
The process can be summarized in nine steps:
1. Complete prerequisites
Some programs require prerequisite courses before you can enter the professional phase of the program.
2. Choose an approved radiation therapy program
Look for a program that meets the educational requirements for the credential you plan to pursue.
3. Earn an associate degree or higher
ARRT’s primary pathway requires an associate degree or higher from an appropriately accredited institution.
4. Complete radiation therapy coursework
You’ll study subjects such as anatomy, radiation physics, radiation safety, oncology, patient care, and treatment procedures.
5. Complete clinical training
You’ll develop hands-on skills and complete the clinical competencies required by your program and credentialing pathway.
6. Meet ARRT’s ethics requirement
ARRT includes an ethics requirement as part of its primary certification pathway.
7. Pass the ARRT examination
After satisfying the education and ethics requirements, you’ll need to pass the appropriate radiation therapy examination.
8. Meet state licensing requirements
Check the requirements for the state where you plan to work.
9. Start your radiation therapy career
Once you’ve completed the required education, certification, and licensing steps, you can begin applying for radiation therapist positions.
FAQs About Radiation Therapy Degrees
What is the best degree for a radiation therapist?
There isn’t one degree that is best for everyone. An associate degree can provide a direct path into a career as a radiation therapist, while a bachelor’s degree may make sense for students who want a four-year education or have longer-term professional goals.
Regardless of degree level, make sure the program provides the radiation therapy education and clinical training required for certification.
Can I become a radiation therapist with a two-year degree?
Yes. An associate degree can meet ARRT’s degree requirement for the primary pathway, provided you also complete an ARRT-approved radiation therapy educational program and meet the other requirements for certification.
Is radiation therapy a bachelor’s degree?
Radiation therapy can be studied through both associate and bachelor’s degree programs. JRCERT’s program directory includes radiation therapy programs at multiple degree levels.
Do I need a degree specifically in radiation therapy?
Not necessarily. ARRT requires an associate degree or higher for its primary pathway, but the degree itself does not have to be in radiologic sciences. You must also complete an ARRT-approved educational program in radiation therapy.
Can I become a radiation therapist if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
Potentially, yes. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may still need to complete an approved radiation therapy educational program and its clinical requirements. Talk with programs about which previous courses may transfer or satisfy prerequisites.
Can I earn a radiation therapy degree online?
Some programs may offer distance or hybrid coursework, but radiation therapy requires clinical education. Before enrolling in an online or hybrid program, confirm how clinical training will be completed and whether the program meets certification and state requirements.
Do radiation therapists need to be certified?
Many radiation therapists pursue ARRT certification and registration. ARRT’s primary pathway requires education, ethics, and examination requirements.
Do radiation therapists need a license?
Requirements vary by state. The BLS reports that most states require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified, often involving a national certification examination.
How long does it take to become a radiation therapist?
The timeline depends on your starting education, prerequisites, program type, and whether you attend full- or part-time. An associate-level program can provide a relatively direct path, while a bachelor’s degree generally requires more time.
Is a Radiation Therapy Degree Right for You?
If you’re interested in a healthcare career that combines patient care, technology, science, and oncology, radiation therapy may be worth exploring.
For many students, an associate degree can provide a direct educational route into the profession. A bachelor’s degree is another option for students who want a four-year education or have broader long-term academic and career goals.
Whatever path you choose, don’t select a program based solely on its degree title or advertised completion time. Check its accreditation, clinical training, ARRT eligibility, certification outcomes, and state licensing requirements before you enroll.
The right program should prepare you not only to earn a degree, but also to complete the education and clinical training needed to actually enter the radiation therapy profession.