Overview
BCIT Radiation Therapy Bachelor of Science is the only program of its kind in BC. We pair cutting edge technology with peer and mentorship support so you are well prepared to look for work once you graduate.
About the program
- Full-time, 33-month Bachelor of Science program
- Small class sizes provide you with personalized learning
- Lectures and labs deliver a solid theory knowledge
- Clinical experiences at two different provincial cancer centres provide diverse learning opportunities
Our faculty is known for its commitment to student learning. Visit Program Details to find out more about studying radiation therapy.
Who it’s for
This program is for individuals who:
- Enjoy working directly with patients and want to offer a high level of care
- Are detail-oriented and express good judgment
- Have a blend of strong computer and communication skills
- Have one year or more of post-secondary education
Radiation therapy is an integral part of a cancer patient’s care team. Visit Entrance Requirements to find out if this program is right for you.
What graduates can do
Students are provided the opportunity to acquire all the skills and behaviors required in the CAMRT national competency profile for Radiation Therapy. Graduates leave the program fully prepared to write the CAMRT national certification exam that qualifies them to work. See Graduating and Jobs for more career information.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted during the following period:
| Opening (9:00 am) | Deadline (11:59 pm) |
|---|---|
| October 1st* | April 1st* |
*or next business day
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Indigenous applicants: This program offers Indigenous admissions prioritization through designated seats.
Applicants are assessed using the program’s published admission requirements and competitive selection criteria. Qualified Indigenous applicants who are not initially offered admission through the competitive selection process will be considered for two designated seats.
Learn more about Indigenous admission prioritization, fee exemptions, and support.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Four-step process
Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is competitive, and qualified applicants are assessed and ranked based on the department’s competitive selection criteria. Offers of admission are made to the most competitive applicants based on the available seats for each intake.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 1 – English Studies 12 (73%) or equivalent
- Biology: one of the following (or equivalent):
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BHSC 0110 – Foundational Human Anatomy and Physiology (73%) or
- BHSC 0100 – Human Biology (73%) or
- BHSC 0012 – Biology 12 Challenge Exam (73%)
- Post-secondary: one year of university-level academics (30.0 credits) with a minimum grade of 60% in each of the following:
- 6.0 credits of progressive math at the first-year university level or higher:
- Calculus-based courses are preferred (e.g., Calculus I and II). Courses should serve as prerequisites for further studies in math. Statistics and pre-calculus courses do not satisfy this requirement.
- 6.0 credits of physics at the first-year university level or higher:
- Only courses in science, engineering, or health-related programs are acceptable. Astronomy, conceptual physics, and general science survey courses do not satisfy this requirement.
- 3.0 credits of English
- 3-credit English courses may also be used to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.
- 15.0 additional credits, including a minimum of 6.0 credits of general education coursework in any discipline outside of radiation therapy
- 6.0 credits of progressive math at the first-year university level or higher:
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Complete the pre-recorded video interview
Applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview. Instructions for registering and completing the interview will be provided directly by the department.
The interview will be offered in May through an online platform. The interview provides an opportunity to demonstrate non-academic qualities and attributes such as communication skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and self-awareness. Applicants must have access to a computer with a webcam, microphone, and reliable internet connection and must complete the interview on the specified date. A fee will apply at the time of the interview.
Submission of responses is an admission requirement and will be used in the department’s competitive selection process.
Step 3: Department assessment
Applicants will be assessed and ranked competitively. Admission decisions are based on academic achievement, the assessment of the Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire, and assessment of the pre-recorded virtual interview.
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
- Final grades and strong academic performance above the minimum
- Exposure to healthcare environments, patient care, or community service through employment, volunteer activities, or other meaningful lived experiences
- Relevant knowledge, skills, experiences, and other attributes aligned with the radiation therapy profession
Step 4: Conditionally selected applicants
If you have been conditionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified through myCommunication and the following information will be required in order to be accepted into the program:
Immunization Review [PDF]
Submit to Student Health Services. Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program. For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information.Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - Level C (infant, child, adult) with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which must remain valid for the duration of the program
Student Acknowledgement of Program and Physical Requirements form [PDF coming soon] for full participation in labs held at BCIT and clinical experience at affiliated clinical sites
You are encouraged to begin these requirements as soon as you accept your offer of admission, as obtaining a criminal record check, gathering immunization records, and completing any required follow-up may take time.
Once these and any other outstanding conditions have been met, you will receive notification of your full acceptance.
Clinical requirements
Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.
As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times through the flu season prior to being placed in your clinical studies.
Face respirator fit testing
A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum and should be done in August or September, once accepted into the program. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum. The BCIT Student Association also conducts fit testing for Health Science students. Applicants accepted into the program may wish to wait until the program starts and dates are provided for fit testing through the Student Association. Fit testing must be completed prior to clinical placement at the end of first year.
For the respirator fit testing, testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s, or 1870) is required and must be performed in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit testing must also include inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions in preparation for their fit testing by the provider they choose.
Recommended for success
This profession requires strong professionalism and communication skills as Radiation Therapists work closely with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. Being respectful, approachable, and able to communicate clearly and effectively is important. Applicants should also be comfortable working in a busy environment, collaborating with others, and maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
If it has been more than five years since you completed physics, math, and biology and you are not currently working or studying in a science-related field, it is recommended to refresh your knowledge or retake coursework to prepare for the academic demands of the program.
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Applicants to this program must be residents of British Columbia.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
Level 5: $800
Level 6: $600
Level 8: $400
Level 9: $200
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Face respirator fit testing: approximately $25 per year, annual re-fitting required.
CPR certification: approximately $150-200 (certification valid 3 years)
BCIT requires students to pay for transportation and parking costs during clinical experience scheduled at the Vancouver, Fraser Valley (Surrey), or Abbotsford Cancer Centres. Students may also be required to obtain clinical experience in Victoria and/or Kelowna at their own expense.
In order to become a registered radiation therapist in Canada, students are required to write the certification exams after successfully graduating.
Cost to write the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exams is CAD $1,150 (subject to change).
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
| Level 5 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BHSC 5101 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 5.5 | |
| COMM 5205 | Communications for Radiation Therapy | 3.0 | |
| LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
| PHYS 5103 | Physics for Radiation Therapy 1 | 4.5 | |
| RADT 5001 | Clinical Orientation | 1.5 | |
| RADT 5104 | Radiation Therapy 1 | 3.5 | |
| RADT 5205 | Treatment Planning 1 | 4.0 | |
| Level 6 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 5102 | Applied Social Science 1 | 3.0 | |
| BHSC 6101 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4.0 | |
| BHSC 6103 | Pathology | 3.0 | |
| HSIP 1000 | Health Sciences Interprofessional Patient Care | 2.0 | |
| RADT 6102 | Radiation Therapy & Safety | 4.0 | |
| RADT 6114 | Physics for Radiation Therapy 2 | 5.5 | |
| Level 7 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| RADT 7101 | Clinical Experience 1* | 22.5 | |
| Level 8A (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BHSC 6102 | Applied Social Science 2 | 4.0 | |
| MATH 6105 | Statistics and Research Methodology for Radiation Therapy | 3.0 | |
| RADT 6205 | Research Project | 5.0 | |
| RADT 7105 | Treatment Planning 2 | 5.5 | |
| RADT 8106 | Radiobiology | 2.0 | |
| RADT 8130 | Radiation Oncology Practice | 6.0 | |
| Level 8B (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| RADT 8101 | Clinical Experience 2* | 24.0 | |
| Level 9 (15 Weeks) | Credits | ||
| HLED 7130 | Leading Health Professionals | 3.0 | |
| LIBS 7021 | Health Ethics | 3.0 | |
| RADT 6103 | Imaging Technologies in Radiation Therapy | 2.0 | |
| RADT 8105 | Treatment Planning 3 | 6.0 | |
| RADT 8116 | Care of Oncology Patient | 4.0 | |
| RADT 8250 | Health Systems in Canada | 3.0 | |
| Level 10 (18 weeks) | Credits | ||
| RADT 8201 | Clinical Experience 3* | 25.5 | |
| * BCIT may require students to be assigned to any of the available clinical sites to gain the required competencies and experience. | |||
General Education / Liberal Studies Electives: (6.0 credits): |
|||
| Total Credits: | 171.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The Radiation Therapy Technology degree program is structured to provide the required academic portion of courses delivered at BCIT and also clinical experience scheduled at BC Cancer treatment centres.
A patient with cancer can be treated with three main modalities: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be used alone or with surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment can often cure the patient or offer palliation by increasing quality of life. The radiation therapist (RTT) is a health-care professional responsible for delivering a therapeutic dose of ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer. As an RTT you will work within a team of other health-care professionals including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses, registered dietitians , and other allied health professionals.
The field of radiation therapy is exciting and challenging, and one that continually evolves to create better ways to treat patients. As an RTT you will be involved in using advanced computer software for treatment planning, CT scanners and MRI for identifying critical structures, and state-of-the-art high energy linear accelerator equipment to deliver treatment.
Learn more about the virtual technology that the Radiation Therapy students use:
Program length
33 months, full-time
Vacation breaks include approximately:
- 2–3 weeks in December/January for Christmas and New Years
- Approximately 11 weeks from June-August (1st year students)
- Approximately 2 weeks in August (2nd year students)
Grading
All didactic courses have a pass mark of 60% unless otherwise indicated. All clinical experience has satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (AC) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Our graduates are ready
Radiation therapists use innovative computer software and sophisticated equipment to treat cancer patients. Their work makes a meaningful difference for patients and their families. The BCIT Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy program ensures that you graduate as a fully competent radiation therapist, prepared to deliver accurate treatment and a high standard of patient care.
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit the CAMRT national certification exam. Certification through the CAMRT is required to work as a radiation therapist in Canada.
Career opportunities
Graduates work in a team of healthcare professionals including radiation oncologists, nurses, and registered dietitians to support cancer patients during their treatment. Full-time salaries start at approximately $112,000 annually.
Graduates can work in many countries. While some go overseas, many seek work at one of these six BC Cancer radiation therapy departments.
Want to know more about the work we do? Visit the Health Science Association.
Professional associations
Graduates of the BCIT program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy and are eligible to take the National certification examinations set by the CAMRT. Successful candidates may use the designation Registered Technologist Radiation Therapy (RTT) and work as registered radiation therapists anywhere in Canada and in many other parts of the world.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Jake Kempt
MHSc., B.MRSc., RT(T), RTMR
Program Head
Email: Jake_Kempt@bcit.ca
More about Jake Kempt
Education
Jake graduated from the radiation therapy program at McMaster University in 2016. In addition to his degree in radiation therapy he holds an advanced certificate in MR imaging from BCIT which has allowed him to become a dual certified technologist with the CAMRT. He also holds a Masters of Health Science in Advanced Healthcare Practice from Western University.
Work experience
Jake started his radiation therapy career in Calgary, AB and eventually moved to Vancouver where he took a position as a casual radiation therapist. During this time Jake also worked as a casual MR technologist at the BC Children’s Hospital MRI research facility. When he is not teaching, Jake continues to pick up shifts at BC Cancer Vancouver.
Other
Outside of the classroom Jake enjoys good food, music and getting outside.
Brynn Tomie
MSc., BSc., RT(T)
Program Head
Email: brynn_tomie@bcit.ca
More about Brynn Tomie
Education
Brynn graduated from the University of Victoria in 2015 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and from BCIT in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Radiation Therapy. She also holds a Masters of Science in Health Science Education from McMaster University.
Work experience
Brynn has worked for three years as a radiation therapist at BC Cancer Vancouver. During that time she spent four months as a peer mentor for the CST Cerner project at BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Brynn is still working as a casual radiation therapist to stay relevant in the field. She has held many jobs throughout her university years. When she attended BCIT, she worked at the gym in the weight room and was an intramural scorekeeper.
Other
Brynn joined the Radiation Therapy faculty with the hopes of sharing her own education and work experience with current students to help ease their journeys. She spends most of her free time travelling, camping and exploring BC in her campervan.
Harleen Dhillon
BSc., RT(T), RT(MR)
Faculty & Clinical Coordinator
Email: harleen_dhillon@bcit.ca
More about Harleen Dhillon
Education
Harleen completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC before pursuing her radiation therapy education through the Michener Institute and University of Toronto joint program. Additionally, she holds an advanced certificate in MRI through BCIT, qualifying her as both a radiation therapist and MRI technologist.
Work experience
Harleen is certified to practice in both Canada and the United States. She has worked as a radiation therapist and MRI technologist in many different hospitals across Canada, including trauma centres, pediatric hospitals, and rural settings. This taught her to quickly adapt to new work environments and patient populations.
Other
Harleen joined the Radiation Therapy faculty in 2024 and is currently involved in didactic instruction and the clinical coordinator role between BCIT and BC Cancer. She hopes to guide students to finding fulfillment in radiation therapy. Outside of BCIT, she enjoys travelling, exploring Vancouver’s parks, and picking up shifts at the hospital.
Clodagh Keely
BSc., RT(T)
Faculty
Email: clodagh_keely@bcit.ca
More about Clodagh Keely
Education
Clodagh graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. She will begin her Master’s Degree next year.
Work experience
Clodagh has worked for three years as a Radiation Therapist across three cancer centres in Ireland, treating adults, adolescents, and paediatric patients. She has contributed to clinical audits, supported clinical trial activity, and played a role in the development of departmental protocols. Clodagh has now transitioned into an instructional role and continues to work casually at BC Cancer Abbotsford.
Other
Clodagh enjoys hiking, travelling, and playing ultimate frisbee in her spare time.
Umbreen Suleman
BSc., RT(T)
Faculty
Email: umbreen_suleman@bcit.ca
More about Umbreen Suleman
Education
Umbreen earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from York University before completing her Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences from the University of Toronto and the Michener Institute joint program in 2023. She is currently working on her MRI certification, anticipating completion next year.
Work experience
Umbreen worked clinically in Ontario for two years before joining BC Cancer, where she continues to practice casually as an RT.
Other
Umbreen is passionate about public health and continues to teach first aid classes whenever possible. In her spare time, she enjoys following curling and hockey, staying active at the gym and unwinding with comedy sets.
Contact Us
For specific questions about the program, contact the Program Assistant: leanna_wong@bcit.ca
For questions about the application process and entrance requirements, please contact Program Advising
Questions or comments?
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.