Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to treat diseases, primarily cancer. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Using highly specialized computerized equipment, the radiation is targeted to abnormal cells while minimizing the side effects.
Radiation therapists are responsible for delivering, monitoring and documenting targeted doses of radiation as prescribed to their patients. Radiation therapists are also involved in assessing the physical and emotional needs of the patients and making appropriate referrals. They typically see each of their patients five days a week throughout a four- to seven-week treatment course.
MCC offers a two-year, five-semester associate degree program in Radiologic Science with a Radiation Therapy option that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and is designed to prepare individuals for employment as a radiation therapist. The coursework provides the didactic and clinical education necessary to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam. Once students have received certification from the ARRT and successfully completed the national exam, they will be eligible to work in any state. Many states require licensure prior to employment. Licensure information for each state can be accessed by contacting the state’s department of labor.
Find out about a career in Radiation Therapy
Graduation Criteria
All program students must complete the following to receive an associate degree from the program. See the student handbook for complete details.
- Complete all didactic curricula with a final grade of C or better.
- Complete all clinical curricula with a final grade of C or better.
- Complete all competency exams with a final grade of 100%.
- Maintain all hospital and program standards as outlined in the program handbook.
Articulation Agreements
The MCC Radiation Therapy Program has articulation agreements with Charter Oak College and University of Hartford that students can pursue a Bachelor’s degree after graduating from this program.
Program Effectiveness Data
Download program effectiveness data
The Radiation Therapy Program was transferred from Hartford Hospital, effective August 31, 2014.
| Class of | ARRT Exam Pass Rate (first attempt) |
Job Placement Rate within 12 Months of Actively Seeking Employment | Annual Program Completion Rate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total # Graduates | #took/#passed 1st attempt | % Pass | # Employed / Total # Graduates seeking employment | % Employed | # Completed/# Started | % Completed | |
| 2016 | N=8 | 8/8 | 100% | 8/8 | 100% | 8/8 | 100% |
| 2017 | N=6 | 6/6 | 100% | 6/6 | 100% | 6/8 | 75% |
| 2018 | N=3 | 3/3 | 100% | 3/3 | 100% | 3/5 | 60%* |
| 2019 | N=7 | 6/7 | 86% | 7/7 | 100% | 7/8 | 87.5% |
| 2020 | N=7 | 7/7 | 100% | 7/7 | 100% | 7/8 | 87.5% |
| 5-Year Average | N=31 | 30/31 | 96.8% | 31/31 | 100% | 31/31 | N/A |
*Low completion rate in 2018 due to low number of students in the program.
Application to the Program
Be sure to complete the following SIX steps prior to the application deadline of February 15, 2022.
- Attend a Radiologic Science Information session by February 15, 2022. [Note: You will have the option to view a virtual Radiologic Science information session.]
- Complete Radiation Therapy program prerequisites.
- All candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Radiation Therapy program prerequisites include the following MCC courses or their equivalent, if transferring:
- BIO* 211 and 212: Anatomy and Physiology I and II (All science courses must be 4 credits, include a lab, completed with a “C” or better and taken in the last five years.
- COM* 172: Interpersonal Communications or COM* 173: Effective Speaking
- ENG* 101: English Composition
- MAT* 186: Pre-Calculus (All math courses must be completed with a “C” or better and taken in the last five years)
- Submit MCC General Application for Admission by February 15, 2022 and choose ‘General Studies: Allied Health’ for your major. [Please note: you will automatically be admitted to the college once required supplemental items are provided, but must apply for the Radiation Therapy Program separately (step 5 below). ]
- Submit official copies of all transcripts by February 15, 2022. Electronic transcripts are encouraged, but paper copies are acceptable.
- For electronic transcripts, visit your previous institutions’ websites for instructions on how to order online transcripts.
- To mail a transcript, please send to Manchester Community College Admissions Office, Attn: Allied Health, Great Path MS #12, P.O. Box 1046, Manchester, CT 06045.
- Current MCC students may submit unofficial transcripts to Nora Uricchio at nuricchio@manchestercc.edu.
- Submit the online Radiation Therapy Application by February 15, 2022. Note: The application requires an essay of 500 words or fewer describing your personal attributes and accomplishments that you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a radiation therapy professional.
- Complete clinical shadowing experience. (Will be arranged by program coordinator following application review.)
Questions: Email Nora Uricchio, M.Ed., RT, (R) (T), Radiation Therapy Program Coordinator, or call 860-512-2730.
These requirements also include criminal background checks with fingerprinting, immunization documentation for hepatitis B vaccine, annual flu shots and TB testing, proof of insurance coverage, and results of a physical exam. Some clinical sites may require substance abuse screening. For a complete listing of clinical requirements, please contact the program coordinator.
Contact Information
Nora Uricchio, M.Ed., R.T.
Program Coordinator
Radiologic Sciences: Radiation Therapy Program
860-512-2730