Radiation Oncology

Virginia Western is the only community college in Virginia that offers a Radiation Oncology program. This AAS program consists of formal classes and clinical experiences conducted at area facilities, where students are exposed to the most modern equipment and techniques available for the treatment of cancer, including the first Cyberknife offered in Virginia.

What do Radiation Therapists Do?

• Treat cancer and other disease by administering radiation treatments
• Simulate patients for accurate treatment planning
• Work with other radiation therapists, radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists and oncology nurses
• Work in hospitals or cancer clinics, usually Monday to Friday with regular hours

Learn more: Watch the WDBJ7 Hometown Jobs report on Radiation Oncology at Virginia Western!

The following ASRT video captures the role of the radiation therapist and other members of the team in the radiation treatment process: An Introduction to Radiation Therapy – YouTube.

This ASRT video explains the treatment planning process and treatment delivery.

Why choose Virginia Western’s Radiation Oncology program?

Our program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The Virginia Western Radiation Oncology Program is very successful in terms of pass rates and job placement for over 17 years. Faculty is invested in our students and provides one-on-one instruction and hands-on experience. We have graduates at Sloan-Kettering, UVA, Duke University, Carilion Cancer Center, HCA Lewis-Gale (Salem) and Lewis-Gale (Pulaski) Cancer Centers, Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center, The Durango Cancer Center in Colorado, Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, INOVA, Valley Health, Novant, Sibley, The Huntsman at the University of Utah, Provision Proton Center in Knoxville, Hampton University Proton Institute, and more.

Additionally, our program is equipped with a Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system that creates a life-size, 3D setting for students to enhance their understanding of radiation therapy planning concepts. This cutting-edge technology allows students to position virtual patients and equipment and visualize radiation beams passing through the body. From illustration of theoretical concepts through to acquisition of clinical skills in a safe, non-pressured environment, VERT delivers tremendous benefits for students, increasing their skills and confidence.  Virginia Western is one of 50 colleges in the nation which has this system.

Do you have a strong math background, a love of physics, and the maturity, compassion, and desire to work with cancer patients? Begin your journey today to a career that provides the opportunity to help cancer patients through the delivery of radiation.

Virginia Western also offers the Radiation Oncology program through distance learning at Northern Virginia Community College. 

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and is operated in compliance with their standards for accredited programs.

JRCERT 
20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182

mail@jrcert.org
312-704-5300
https://www.jrcert.org

The program’s current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here: VWCC Radiation Oncology JRCERT Accreditation Information

Mission & Goals

The mission of the Radiation Oncology degree program is to provide the communities and diverse populations we serve with radiation therapists dedicated to excellence and integrity who are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving healthcare environment.

To effectively implement the program mission, the college and program faculty have made a commitment to:

• Instill in graduates a strong understanding of the principles and practices of radiation oncology to successfully perform as entry-level radiation therapists.
• Create an educational experience that stimulates student’s critical thinking/problem-solving skills and generates an appreciation for Radiation Oncology as a profession.
• Develop graduates who will perform in a professional manner.
• Develop students with effective communication skills.
• Develop students who will recognize the need for life-long learning.

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.  

Credit for Prior Learning

Our Credit for Prior Learning Program may award college credit for college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Examples of Credit for Prior Learning include:

• Certifications and licensures
• Military and law enforcement training
• Work-based learning
• National or institutional examinations
• Workforce training

Click here to learn more about Credit for Prior Learning.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Current and prospective students located outside the state of Virginia or who may be considering licensure in a state other than Virginia should review the disclosure information for this program here: Virginia Western Professional License Disclosures for Students Outside of Virginia.