M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
B.S. in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track)
Boston
INTAKE: May
Program Overview
The B.S. in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track) at MCPHS is an intensive, 24-month, year-round program offered at the Boston campus. It is tailored for individuals with prior college credits or a bachelor's degree, allowing for a focused and rapid entry into the radiation therapy profession. The program's core objective is to train highly skilled radiation therapists who can operate complex equipment, accurately deliver radiation doses, and provide empathetic patient care. It combines foundational scientific principles with extensive hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates to be integral members of oncology teams, supporting cancer patients through their treatment journey.
Curriculum: The 24-month B.S. in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track) curriculum builds upon students' existing academic foundation. It includes core professional courses such as "Foundations of Radiation Therapy," "Medical Radiation Physics I & II," "Technical Aspects in Radiation Therapy," "Treatment Calculations and Planning," "Radiation Therapy Treatment Methods," "Radiation Protection and Biology," "Brachytherapy and Hyperthermia," and "Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance." Students also delve into "CT and Cross-Sectional Anatomy" and "Clinical Pathophysiology." Alongside these technical and scientific courses, the program integrates essential professional development through "Healthcare Ethics" and extensive "Radiation Therapy Internship" courses across multiple semesters. The curriculum also includes a "Radiation Therapy Registry Review" to prepare for the ARRT certification examination.
Research Focus: While the B.S. in Radiation Therapy is a professional practice-oriented degree, the curriculum at MCPHS fosters a strong emphasis on the scientific and analytical principles that underpin radiation oncology. Courses in "Medical Radiation Physics" and "Treatment Calculations and Planning" require students to apply complex mathematical and scientific concepts. Students are trained to understand the biological effects of radiation and the latest technological advancements in treatment delivery, which inherently involves an understanding of research and evidence-based practice. The program prepares graduates to be adaptable professionals who can critically evaluate and integrate new knowledge and technologies, supporting the continuous improvement and evolution of radiation therapy techniques and patient outcomes.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates exceptional industry engagement for its Radiation Therapy (Fast Track) program, primarily due to its strategic location in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area of Boston. The program features extensive "Radiation Therapy Internship" experiences, where students gain invaluable hands-on training at some of the best medical institutions in New England, including affiliations with major hospitals and cancer centers like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital. These long-term clinical rotations allow students to work directly with experienced radiation therapists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals, applying theoretical knowledge to real patient cases, developing crucial clinical skills, and building professional networks essential for future employment.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track) at MCPHS implicitly integrates a global perspective by focusing on universal principles of cancer biology, radiation physics, and patient care that are applicable worldwide. The program prepares graduates to work with diverse patient populations, fostering cultural competence and empathetic communication skills. While the primary clinical rotations are within the U.S., the advanced nature of radiation therapy technology means that best practices and scientific advancements often have a global impact. MCPHS, as a global university, welcomes international students and faculty, contributing to a multicultural learning environment that broadens students' understanding of diverse healthcare systems and global health challenges, particularly in oncology.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33060
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations.
Graduates of MCPHS's B.S. in Radiation Therapy (Fast Track) are highly skilled and compassionate professionals ready to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.
Radiation Therapist: Administers precise doses of radiation to patients with cancer, operates linear accelerators and other treatment machines, and monitors patients for reactions during treatment sessions. This is the primary role.
Lead Radiation Therapist / Chief Radiation Therapist: Takes on a supervisory role within a radiation oncology department, overseeing other therapists, managing schedules, ensuring quality assurance, and contributing to departmental policies (requires experience).
Medical Dosimetrist (Requires additional certification/education): Works closely with radiation oncologists and medical physicists to design and calculate the precise radiation dosage and treatment plan for cancer patients. This often requires a post-graduate certificate or master's degree.
Clinical Instructor (Radiation Therapy): Teaches and mentors aspiring radiation therapy students in academic programs or clinical training sites, sharing expertise and guiding practical skills development.
Radiation Oncology Sales Representative: Works for medical equipment companies, selling and demonstrating radiation therapy equipment, software, and related products to hospitals and cancer centers.
Quality Assurance Technologist (Radiation Therapy): Focuses on maintaining and improving the quality and safety of radiation therapy procedures and equipment within a treatment center.
Clinical Research Coordinator (Oncology/Radiation Therapy): Assists in clinical trials and research studies related to new radiation therapy techniques, cancer treatments, or patient outcomes.
Patient Navigator (Oncology): Guides cancer patients through their treatment journey, providing information, support, and connecting them with resources, often focusing on those undergoing radiation therapy.
Application Specialist (Radiation Therapy Equipment): Provides specialized training and technical support to radiation therapists and medical physicists on the use of advanced radiation therapy machines and planning systems for manufacturers.
Healthcare Administrator (Oncology/Imaging Services): With some experience, can move into administrative roles within a cancer center or imaging department, focusing on operational efficiency and patient care management.
