Bachelor of Health Science in Radiation Therapy (BHS Program)

Through GMercyU's radiation therapy programs, you can build on your educational foundation in radiation therapy and take your career in different directions including administration, dosimetry, research, education, and direct patient care, making us a great choice for students seeking a radiation therapy school in PA.

As a radiation therapist, you will work directly with patients, radiation oncologists and radiation physicists using advanced equipment to administer high energy x-rays, radioactive materials and other sources of ionizing radiation to treat cancer. While here at GMercyU, one of the top radiation therapy schools in PA, you will be prepared to deliver competent and compassionate patient-centered care. In keeping with our Mercy tradition, our curriculum is career-oriented but also helps you build a strong foundation in liberal arts and ethics, so you are prepared to treat the whole person with respect and dignity.

• 91% average program retention rate (PDF) in the past five years.
• The five-year average job employment rate for graduates was 86% within 12 months of graduation (PDF). You can also check out the average first-time pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifying exam over the past five years by viewing GMercyU's First-Time Pass Rates document (PDF).
• A minimum of three clinical placements through affiliation agreements with 30 cancer management centers around Pennsylvania and Delaware.
• Individualized attention through our low 13:1 classroom student-to-faculty and 1:1 student-to-clinical instructor ratios.
• All courses taught by experienced faculty.
• Get the lasting value of a four-year degree from a program accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Program Philosophy

Consistent with the Mission of Gwynedd Mercy University, it is the goal of the Radiation Therapy Program to offer a career-oriented program that provides moral, social, intellectual, cultural and spiritual development of the individual. We believe that it is necessary that our graduates not only view patients as whole persons requiring medical assistance but who will also support them with regard for the dignity of the individual. In order to fulfill this belief and philosophy, we offer a fully integrated curriculum that encourages interest in the humanities as well as theory and clinical experience in the current technology of radiation therapy. Theory within the concentration is strengthened throughout the program with everyday practical experience that permits the individual to enter the job market immediately following graduation. Our Radiation Therapy programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). To register a complaint, please contact:

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
  • https://www.jrcert.org/students/process-for-reporting-allegations/report-an-allegation/

Goals

1. Graduates will be competent entry-level radiation therapists.
2. Students will demonstrate critical thinking.
3. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
4. The students/graduates will model professionalism.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the radiation therapy program, the graduates will demonstrate:  

• Empathic patient-centered care
• Application of appropriate radiation safety principles
• Accuracy in performing radiation therapy procedures
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Appropriate response to events in clinical and lab situations
• Appropriate professional behaviors