Radiation Therapy is a highly specialized branch of medicine which utilizes ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer. The Radiation Therapist is a professional member of the Radiation Oncology team which includes physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, and social workers. Radiation therapists combine an interest in science and technology with a strong commitment to patient care.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiation Therapy is offered at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). In order to apply to the program, students must complete the prerequisite coursework outlined below and have earned a minimum of 90 transferable quarter hours from an accredited institution(s). If accepted to the OHSU Radiation Therapy program, students then complete two additional years of coursework at OHSU to earn the BS in Radiation Therapy.
The Radiation Therapy Program at OHSU prepares students in the field of Radiation Oncology. Through the combination of didactic and clinical education, Radiation Therapy students gain a strong foundation in oncological diseases, physics, patient care and clinical skills. Technical skills gained will allow students to utilize ionizing-radiation producing equipment in the treatment of cancer for both curative and palliative purposes. In addition, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to provide the appropriate patient care and patient-centered communication to patients and their families experiencing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Students who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree at PSU before moving on to earn the BS in Radiation Therapy at OHSU must complete the math, science, and nutrition requirements as well as PSU graduation requirements, but are not required to fulfill OHSU’s writing, humanities, and social science requirements.
Portland State University Pre-Radiation Therapy Course List
Below is an outline of prerequisite courses for OHSU, which is subject to change. Check directly with OHSU or other Radiation Therapy schools for current requirements. OHSU requires a C or higher in all prerequisite courses.
| OHSU Prerequisite Course(s) | PSU Equivalent Courses |
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| College Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus – 3 credits minimum | MTH 112Z Intro to College Math II (4 credits) Note: MTH 111Z or placement score it the prerequisite for MTH 112Z |
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| Biology or Chemistry with lab – 12 credits minimum (full sequence) | Recommended for PSU: Biology for Allied Health with lab: BI207, 208, 209 (12 credits). Note: BI207 serves as the prerequisite for Human Anatomy & Physiology (BI301) below Other options include: Introductory Chemistry with lab: CH104/107, CH105/108, CH106/109 (15 credits) OR General Chemistry: CH221/227, CH222/228, CH223/229 (15 credits) *CH104/107 will be offered every fall term; CH 105/108 will only be offered in winter 2024; CH105/109 will only be offered in spring 2025. Note: Students wishing to enroll in General Chemistry I (CH 221) or Honors General Chemistry I (CH 221H) are required to take the chemistry placement assessment and must score 90% or higher. |
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| Anatomy & Physiology – 12 credits minimum (full sequence) | Human Anatomy & Physiology BI301, 302, 303 (12 credits) Note: BI207 or BI211 are the prerequisites for BI301. |
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| Physics & Lab – 12 credits minimum (full sequence) | General Physics & labs: PH201/214/284*, 202/215/285*, 203/216/285* (15-18 credits) Note: MTH 112Z is the prerequisite for General Physics. OR General Physics with Life Science & Medical Applications & labs: PH231/214/284*, PH232/215/285*, PH233/216/286* (15-18 credits) Note: Math 111Z is the prerequisite General Physics with Life Science & Medical Applications *PH284, 285, 286 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses |
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| Nutrition– 3 credits minimum | Nutrition: CH250 (4 credits) OR PHE325 Nutrition for Health (4 credits) |
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| Medical Terminology | 1 course required but not offered at PSU–check with local community colleges |
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Additional Required Courses for Students NOT Intending to Graduate from PSU
(Not required for students who will graduate from PSU before moving on to the Radiation Therapy program at OHSU)
| OHSU Prerequisite Course(s) | PSU equivalent |
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| Writing – 9 quarter credit minimum, to include: 2 College Writing courses and 1 Technical Writing course | Complete 3 courses: - WR121Z College Writing (4 credits) OR completion of First Year Inquiry
- WR222 Research Papers OR WR323 Writing as Critical Inquiry (4 credits)
- WR227Z Technical Writing (4 credits)
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| Humanities – 9 quarter credit minimum | 9+ credits from the following departments: ARH (Art History), COMM (Communication), ENG (Literature courses only), FILM (Film Studies), HST (History), LING (Applied Linguistics) , MUS (music history courses only), PHL (Philosophy), TA (Theater Arts), or WLL (World Language) |
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| Social Science – 9-12 quarter credits to include: Human Development and an additional 6 quarter credits of Social Science electives | PSY311U Human Development (4 credits) 6+ additional credits from the following departments: ANTH (Anthropology), EC (Economics), PS (Political Science), PSY (Psychology), SOC (Sociology) |
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