Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy | Undergraduate

The Howard University Radiation Therapy program has a rich legacy of providing quality education for individuals interested in a career as a radiation therapist who will serve diverse and underserved populations locally and globally.

• Degree Classification: Undergraduate
• Related Degrees: B.S.
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

Policies and Procedures

Radiation Therapy Student Handbook

Radiation Therapy Clinical Handbook

Lower Division

Students must meet Howard University’s general admission requirements.

• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Upper Division

Students should request the program application package from the Department of Radiation Therapy. The completed application package must include:

• Completed Upper Division Application Form (PDF)
• Attain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Statement of Interest and Goals
• Two Recommendation Letters and Group Interview

Need more information about our academic program? Download the Radiation Therapy Fact Sheet (PDF).

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary by school, college and level and dependent upon full-time or part-time. Additional charges are assessed if a student exceeds the maximum allowable credit hours and/or lives in campus housing and chooses a meal plan. An official schedule of Tuition and Fees can be found here: https://financialservices.howard.edu/financial-aid.

Technical Standards for Admissions

Applicants must have satisfactory abilities and skills to perform medical procedures with accuracy and precision.

To practice radiation therapy, speed, safety, and accuracy are of primary importance. To be considered for admission, applicants must be able to perform the following tasks:

• Read and comprehend technical and medical terminology and information
• Communicate (orally and in written form) using active listening with patients, staff and other personnel clearly and effectively
• Demonstrate ability to follow oral and written directions/instructions
• Sit and/or stand (or a combination of both as required), up to eight hours per day
• Lift or carry approximately fifty pounds of weight
• Move or transfer patients safely to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds and simulation/treatment couches
• Demonstrate normal or corrected vision and hearing to discern visual/audible signals, sounds on equipment and communication devices (ability to see details at close range or within a few feet of the observer, as well as in a darkened/poorly lit room)
• Show dexterity and strength to perform daily on-the-job tasks
• Work compassionately with individuals that have illnesses and conditions by assisting or caring for patients by providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to patients, staff, classmates, or other customers
• Accurately and efficiently organize and perform tasks as assigned
• Observe patients visually or via monitors during simulation or treatment procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, precalculus, statistics, and their applications
• Demonstrate use of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar for verbal or written comprehension
• Ability to apply deductive and inductive reasoning to form general rules or conclusions
• Demonstrate time management skills; ability to multi-task, and work in strenuous environment(s)

Students with Disabilities

Howard University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to persons with documented disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other pertinent federal, state, and local disability and anti-discrimination laws. Students must self-identify to the Dean of the Office of Student Services, located in the Howard University Undergraduate Library. Students may contact the department by phone at (202) 806-2420. Students must register with the office within the first week of class and at the beginning of each subsequent semester for which accommodations are requested. Students will receive reasonable accommodations based on the recommendations of a licensed physician. A letter of accommodations will be given to students for delivery to the faculty, who will provide the accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities will be individually considered on the basis of their ability.

Transfer Students

Requirements for the admission of transfer students are as follows:

• Submit a completed Howard University Application
• Complete at least one semester of full-time study (15 credit hours) including Math and English – 3 credits each where appropriate
• Provide sealed official academic transcript from each Institution of higher learning attended
• Transcript with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale upper division

NOTE: The Admissions Committee of the Department may consider exceptions.

• Applicants with credits from accredited institutions of higher learning will be eligible to receive transfer credits where appropriate. Only those courses taken for credit with a grade of "C" or higher will be considered for transfer. The Department, at its discretion, may accept a student who may be deficient in one of the above specifications. For persons who do not meet the above criteria and have been out of high school for three or more years, admissions can be based on other factors such as maturity, work experience, military service, or other factors as determined by the department.