University of Virginia Health System

Radiation Therapy Program Overview

The radiation therapist is an integral member of a team of specialists that are primarily concerned with the treatment of malignant disease through the use of ionizing radiation. The radiation therapist is responsible for implementing the treatment plan prescribed by the radiation oncologist (a physician specializing in the therapeutic use of x-rays and radioactive materials) and for providing patient care and comfort essential to radiation therapy procedures.

The demand for skilled radiation therapists is creating employment possibilities throughout the United States.  According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 edition, "Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations during the 2004-2014 period.  As the U.S. population grows and ages, demand will increase for radiation treatment.  As radiation (therapy) technology advances, radiation treatment will be prescribed for an increasing proportion of cancer patients.  In addition to new jobs created over the projection period, a number of job openings will result as experienced radiation therapists retire or leave the occupation for other reasons." 

If you are a registered Radiographer or Nuclear Medicine technologist seeking to advance your career in the Radiation Sciences, and if you enjoy working with cancer patients and highly sophisticated technology, the Radiation Therapy Program at the University of Virginia Health System invites you to apply.

Following temporary closure due to changes in the health care environment, the program reopened in October 2003. Since that time, 19 students have graduated from the Program; 18 out of 19 were placed in Radiation Therapy jobs within 6 mths. of graduation; 100% pass rate on the ARRT Board Exam in Radiation Therapy; 17 out of 19 passed on the 1st attempt; average passing grade is above the national average.