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, Accelerated
Boston
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The B.S. in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated (Fast Track) at MCPHS is an intensive 32-month, year-round program located on the Boston campus. It is designed to equip students, particularly those with prior college experience, with the specialized knowledge and technical skills to become highly competent and empathetic radiation therapists. The program focuses on the precise and safe delivery of radiation treatments to cancer patients, integrating a strong foundation in radiation biology, physics, and patient care. Its accelerated nature allows for a quicker entry into this rewarding healthcare profession, directly addressing the growing need for skilled oncology professionals.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated (Fast Track) is meticulously designed to deliver comprehensive training within its condensed 32-month timeframe. It builds upon prerequisite coursework, immediately immersing students in core radiation therapy content. Key areas of study include foundational knowledge of radiation therapy, radiation protection and biology, and medical radiation physics. Students delve into the application of healthcare delivery, healthcare ethics, clinical care, and interpersonal communication. The program covers essential topics such as statistics, clinical pathophysiology, physics, and treatment planning. Advanced studies encompass brachytherapy, hyperthermia, and radiation therapy quality assurance. A significant component of the curriculum involves multiple semester-long "Radiation Therapy Internships," providing extensive practical experience, and dedicated "Radiation Therapy Registry Review" to prepare students for national board examinations.
Research Focus: While the B.S. in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated, is fundamentally a professional practice degree, MCPHS integrates a strong emphasis on the scientific principles and evidence-based practice vital for this field. The curriculum includes coursework in medical radiation physics, radiation protection and biology, and treatment calculations and planning, ensuring students grasp the complex science underlying radiation delivery. Students are also engaged in "Research in Radiologic Sciences," which aims to develop their ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply new findings to clinical practice. The program aims to "propose advancements within the field of medical imaging as a result of active research and inquiry within the clinical setting," indicating a commitment to fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and informed practice among its graduates.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates robust industry engagement for its B.S. in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated, through its extensive network of clinical affiliations. A cornerstone of the program is the significant amount of hands-on clinical experience gained through multiple "Radiation Therapy Internships" that span several semesters. Students are placed in highly reputable cancer centers and hospital affiliates across metropolitan Boston and New England, including institutions like Baystate Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Lahey Clinic, Massachusetts General, Rhode Island Hospital, and UMass Memorial Medical Center. These immersive experiences allow students to work directly with experienced radiation therapists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals, applying theoretical knowledge, refining technical skills, and building crucial professional networks vital for successful career placement.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Radiation Therapy, Accelerated, at MCPHS implicitly integrates a global perspective by focusing on universal principles of cancer biology, radiation physics, and patient care, which are relevant worldwide. Cancer is a global health burden, and radiation therapy is a widely utilized treatment modality across diverse healthcare systems. While the primary clinical training is situated within the U.S. healthcare system, the fundamental skills and advanced knowledge acquired are highly transferable. MCPHS's diverse student body and faculty contribute to a multicultural learning environment, enriching classroom discussions and fostering a broader understanding of varied healthcare contexts and the global challenges of cancer care. Graduates are prepared to contribute to a field that increasingly sees international collaboration in research and treatment protocols, equipped with skills that are in demand globally.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 52210
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 (Accelerated) are highly skilled and compassionate professionals ready to contribute immediately to cancer care teams.
Staff Radiation Therapist: The most common role, administering prescribed daily radiation treatments to cancer patients using linear accelerators and other equipment, monitoring patient well-being, and maintaining detailed treatment records in hospitals or outpatient cancer centers.
Dosimetrist (with additional training/certification): Specializes in calculating and designing precise radiation doses and treatment plans under the supervision of a medical physicist and radiation oncologist, ensuring the tumor receives the optimal dose while sparing healthy tissue. This often requires further education and certification (CMD).
Lead Radiation Therapist / Chief Radiation Therapist: With experience, takes on supervisory and administrative responsibilities within a radiation oncology department, managing staff, overseeing daily operations, quality assurance, and workflow efficiency.
Radiation Therapy Clinical Instructor/Educator: Teaches and mentors aspiring radiation therapists in academic programs at colleges or universities, providing both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical supervision.
Applications Specialist (Radiation Therapy Equipment): Works for medical device manufacturers, providing training, technical support, and troubleshooting for new radiation therapy machines and treatment planning software to healthcare facilities.
Radiation Oncology Sales Representative: Leverages technical knowledge and clinical experience to sell radiation therapy equipment, software, or related services to hospitals and cancer centers for manufacturing or distribution companies.
Radiation Safety Officer (Assistant/Associate): Helps manage and monitor radiation safety programs within a healthcare facility, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations regarding radiation exposure for patients and staff.
Clinical Research Coordinator (Radiation Oncology): Assists in clinical trials and research studies involving new radiation therapy techniques, technologies, or patient outcomes, often collecting data and ensuring protocol adherence.
Simulation Technologist: Specializes in the simulation phase of radiation therapy, where patients are positioned, and imaging (CT, MRI) is acquired to create the customized treatment plan, working closely with dosimetrists and physicists.
Brachytherapy Technologist: Specializes in assisting physicians with brachytherapy procedures, which involve placing radioactive sources directly inside or next to the tumor, requiring advanced technical skills and strict radiation safety protocols.
