Radiation Therapy

The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy Program (B.S. in RT) is a 36-month program that prepares students to obtain the professional role of an entry-level radiation therapist. This full-time, lock-step program provides students with a combination of didactic and clinical learning experiences that prepare them to be vital members of the healthcare team.

This program includes online classwork, live online lectures, and clinical experiences contributing to student learning. Beginning with general education courses, students will build upon their knowledge as they progress through the program into core radiation therapy coursework.

The radiation therapy curriculum, developed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, ensures that students develop essential skills for working with diverse patient populations. These skills include communication, human diversity, scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and judgment. The didactic radiation therapy courses include human anatomy, physiology, radiation therapy physics, radiation oncology, pathology, radiation biology, treatment planning, medical dosimetry, quality assurance, and patient care.

During the clinical portion of the program, students will be under the direct supervision of a licensed radiation therapist as they develop competencies in simulation, treatment, and dosimetric procedures. Students will utilize various simulation and treatment machines to elevate their skills and consistently deliver high-quality patient care.

Program goals and objectives.

1. Students will be clinically competent in simulation and the delivery of radiation therapy treatments. a. Students will demonstrate clinical competence in simulation and radiation therapy treatment delivery. b. Students will demonstrate mastery of knowledge and clinical reasoning. c. Students will demonstrate ALARA principles.

2. Students will communicate effectively. a. Students will effectively communicate with patients, therapists, physicians, and staff. b. Apply appropriate communication skills across settings, purposes, and audiences. c. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with culturally diverse populations.

3. Students will utilize problem-solving skills and develop critical thinking skills. a. Apply appropriate communication skills across settings, purposes, and audiences. b. Develop conclusions and related outcomes. c. Students will demonstrate mastery of knowledge and clinical reasoning.

4. Students will demonstrate professional standards through ethical behavior. a. Students will demonstrate ethical behaviors. b. Demonstrate attitudes and behaviors consistent with professional standards.

• Accredited by JRCERT
• Grads Eligible for National Exam
• ASRT/CSRT Student Memberships
• Clinical Externships Provided
• Job Placement Assistance

All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements for all Programs, including the entrance exam where required, and the additional admission requirements for this program.

• Attend or view a live or recorded Information Session.
• Meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, background check, and CPR Certification (See Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in the School Catalog and “Admissions”).
• Submit a completed application for the program. It is recommended that interested applicants meet with the admission advisor to complete the application.
• Take an Admission Assessment test: Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) with a minimum score of 25 points.
• Submit original transcripts from the Registrar at a regionally accredited institution for applicants requesting credit granting for some/all General Education courses. Copies are not accepted. All coursework must be completed with a grade of at least a “C” with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Anatomy and Physiology with Laboratory must be completed within the last five (5) years. All credit-granting is subject to the approval of the Registrar or Program Director. Please allow seven (7) days for review.
• Optional: Complete up to 40 hours of clinical observation in a radiation therapy department of their choice within one (1) year of applying. While observation hours are not required, applicants who complete them may earn additional points in the admissions ranking process. Applicants are responsible for securing their own observation site and must submit any completed hours on the program’s application timesheet.
• Submit a two to three (2 – 3) page-written essay on why they have selected the radiation therapy profession.
• Participate in an interview with the Radiation Therapy Admission Committee.
• Applicants will be rank-ordered based on the following score, which includes: • Admission Assessment Test (CCAT) • Quality of the grades in prerequisite courses • Knowledge of the profession • Written essay • Ranked interview

The program information, length, and schedule are subject to change. Read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and check with an Admission Advisor for details.

The Radiation Therapy program is a Bachelor of Science degree program. The student will receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical experience in affiliated medical facilities. The instructor-to-student ratio is as follows: online lectures, 1:25, and clinical, 1:1.

The program consists of nine (9) 15-week semesters. Students will take General Education courses and one (1) introductory course for up to 20 hours per week during the first three (3) semesters. Students will take technical courses for the last six (6) semesters. Clinical rotations start in semester five (5).

Classes may be scheduled Monday through Sunday. Students will attend up to forty (40) hours per week of instruction, including didactic, labs, and clinical. Clinical activities may be held during weekdays as required by the clinical site. Didactic courses are held between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Students receive 1,480 hours of didactic coursework and laboratory instruction, as well as 1,620 hours of clinical education, allowing them to apply lecture topics to practical use.

Upcoming start date for this program: January 3, 2028 (application deadline September 24, 2027).

Tuition and fees. Registration Fee (non-refundable) $100.00; Student Tuition Recovery Fund $0.00; Textbooks $800.00; Tuition $81,560.00. Total program cost $82,460.00. Total program cost excludes transportation, room and board, and personal expenses.

Cost per credit. $520.00 per general education and introductory credit; $680.00 per core credit.

Total fees per period of enrollment. Period 1: $9,065.00; Period 2: $8,420.00; Period 3: $7,430.00; Period 4: $9,380.00; Period 5: $9,180.00; Period 6: $8,915.00; Period 7: $9,180.00; Period 8: $10,325.00; Period 9: $10,565.00.

Cost of Attendance, 2026–2027 (one academic year). Tuition & Fees $17,260.00; Books $225.00; Transportation $6,300.00; Food & Housing $17,876.00; Personal Expenses $638.00; Loan Fees $98.00; Laptop Fee $450.00; Total Cost of Attendance (One Academic Year) $42,847.00. Individual student costs will vary.

Financial aid. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct and Direct PLUS Loans, Cal Grant, Sallie Mae® and Campus Door loans, and veteran benefits, for those who qualify. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.

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Other fees, as applicable. ATI TEAS $120; background check $33–$75; drug testing $74–$148; CPR $55–$80; fingerprinting $81 and up; licensing board fees $200–$500 depending on the exam and license; campus parking permit $25; graduation ceremony fee $20–$50. Some of these fees may be paid by Gurnick Academy for some programs.

Career paths. Radiation Therapist.

School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar year 2024. Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy – 131 Semester Credit Hours at the Van Nuys campus reported an on-time completion rate of 90% (9 of 10 students available for graduation); a job placement rate of 78% (7 of 9 graduates available for employment employed in the field); a license examination passage rate of 67% (6 of 9 graduates who took the exam passed on the first attempt) (published March 17, 2026).