Radiation Therapy Program
Yale-New Haven Hospital is the major clinical education center for the Regional Radiation Therapy Program sponsored by Gateway Community-Technical College. Other clinical affiliates are St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury and the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven.
What is Radiation Therapy?
In the war on cancer, radiation therapy is one of the most sophisticated and successful weapons available to modern medicine. Depending on the individual patient, radiation therapy may be used alone, or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. For some cancers, it is the treatment of choice; in others it may be used to alleviate stressful symptoms such as pain, obstruction or hemorrhage.
What do Radiation Therapists do?
The radiation therapist is a vital member of the cancer care team. Using highly complex, state-of-the-art equipment, the therapist:
- assists the radiation oncologist in localizing the tumor
- simulates treatment parameters
- verifies and implements computer generated treatment plans
- performs quality assurance procedures
- delivers radiation treatment as prescribed by the physician
- monitors patient's physical condition and response to treatment
- provides a caring and compassionate environment for their patients
Is the Radiation Therapy program right for you?
Are you responsible, caring and compassionate? Are you interested in health care, particularly health care technology and the field of cancer care? If so, maybe you can become a radiation therapist and be a part of this important team. You will also need a strong background in science (physics, biology, anatomy, physiology and/or chemistry) mathematics (algebra I and algebra II), English and reading.
What opportunities are available in Radiation Therapy?
There is a need for qualified therapists in radiation therapy. Radiation therapists practice in university medical centers, community hospitals and private facilities. Positions offer attractive salaries and career opportunities are also available in dosimetry, management, physics, radiation, sales and teaching.
About the Radiation Therapy program
Gateway Community-Technical College offers you the unique opportunity to become a radiation therapist by training at various facilities throughout the state, namely Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Mary's (Waterbury) and the Hospital of St. Raphael (New Haven). At these facilities you will train side by side with skilled radiation therapists on state-of-the-art equipment.
The 67-credit hour program provides you with a rigorous curriculum preparing you for employment in hospitals and cancer centers. You will take courses from the college's general education core as well as specialized classroom, laboratory and clinical education courses taught by radiation therapists, radiation physicists, physicians, dosimetrists, and other highly qualified professionals. The program lasts 23 months, including clinical internships during semester breaks and summers.
The program is accredited by the Board of Governors for Higher Education and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). After completing the program you are eligible to apply for the certifying board examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (Radiation Therapy).
Areas of study include:
| Pathology | English Composition |
| Anatomy & Physiology | Psychology |
| Radiation Protection | Mathematics |
| Physics | Communications |
| Radiobiology | Radiation Oncology |
| Ethics | Clinical Labs |
| Computers | Dosimetry |
Requirements for admission
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Successful completion of an entrance examination
- Submission of prior transcripts (high school and/or college),
- References and a personal statement
- Interview with college committee followed by an interview at the clinical affiliate
The Admissions Office will notify successful candidates. The admissions process begins in the spring semester for the following fall. You are urged to apply early.
If you are interested in changing careers to enter the Radiation Therapy program, a background in science and math is necessary. A pre-allied health curriculum is available at Gateway for any refresher courses needed by any potential candidates who do not have a strong background in science and math.
Find out more
To find out more about the Regional Radiation Therapy Program, call the Gateway Office of Admissions at (203)234-3334, or the Regional Radiation Therapy Program, (203)234-3314, ext 523 or Yale-New Haven Hospital (203)785-5831.
Gateway Community-Technical College:
Long Wharf Campus
60 Sargent Drive
New Haven, CT 06511
North Haven Campus
88 Bassett Road
North Haven, CT 06473