Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to treat diseases, primarily cancer. Using highly specialized computerized equipment, the radiation is targeted to abnormal cells while minimizing the side effects. This individual is responsible for administering, monitoring, and documenting the prescribed course of treatment from the radiation oncologist.  The Radiation Therapist is involved in assessing the physical and emotional needs of the patients and making the appropriate referrals. This unique profession combines technical and interpersonal skills and offers many career possibilities available to trained radiation therapists, including management, dosimetry, education, applications specialist, sales, and technology-related fields.

The Radiation Therapy associate degree program is a two-year full-time program that includes didactic and clinical education.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists  (ARRT) national certification examination.

The Radiation Therapy programs at Manchester has its own individual accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, Phone: (312) 704-5300, Fax: (312) 704-5304, Web: www.jrcert.org, email: mail@jcert.org. Per accreditation requirements, each program must maintain separate JRCERT accreditation and follow the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology.

View the Program Curriculum

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 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.


Application to the Program

Be sure to complete the following SIX steps prior to the application deadline of February 1, 2024.

    1. Complete Radiation Therapy program prerequisites by the end of the spring semester.
      • Unless waived, all applicants must take placement tests in reading, English, and mathematics.
      • All candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
      • Radiation Therapy program prerequisites include the following Manchester courses or their equivalent, if transferring:
        • ENG* 101: English Composition (C or higher)
        • BIO* 211: Anatomy and Physiology I (C or higher taken within past five years of program start date)
        • BIO* 212: Anatomy and Physiology II (C or higher taken within past five years of program start date)
        • MAT* 186: Pre-Calculus (C or higher taken within past five years of program start date)
      • If you have a question regarding the appropriate prerequisites for the Fall 2024 application cycle, please contact the program coordinator listed below
    2. Review the application process for selective admissions for fall 2024 and beyond for CT State: Application Process
    3. Submit the General Application for Admission/Selective Admissions Application by February 1, 2024. 
    4. Submit official copies of transcripts by February 1, 2024.Only electronic transcripts are acceptable.
      • For electronic transcripts, visit your previous institutions’ websites for instructions on how to order online transcripts.
    5. Participate in an interview.
            • Participate in an interview—All applicants who meet the above admission requirements will be offered an interview.
            • Formula for Computing Ranking:
                      • 50% = GPA
                      • 50% = Interview

      Due to standards from the Joint Commission, students are advised that the healthcare facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they submit a criminal background check, required immunization records and other documentation needed to meet the standards. CT State Community College cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to meet the required hospital requirements.  A student who is unable to complete the required clinical experience will be unable to complete the requirements for the associate degree in Radiation Therapy but may be able to apply some or all of the credits completed to an associate degree in General Studies.  Students are advised to meet with a Counselor to discuss degree completion requirements.

      Students in this program are responsible for expenses including but not limited to uniforms, physical examinations and blood work, travel to clinical sites, parking, meals, CPR training, background check and toxicology screening, dosimeters, textbooks, liability insurance, Trajecsys and Castle Branch.   Specific information about these costs is available in the Radiation Therapy Program Student Handbook. Financial aid information is available through the college’s Financial Aid office.

      Outcomes

      US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook

      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