Overview
Delivery Mode: BLENDED
- This program will be delivered during COVID-19 as a combination of online and on-campus learning.
- Faculty will notify students of when their attendance on campus will be required.
- We are putting measures in place for your safety and well-being, ensuring that all safety protocols are addressed. Please see BCIT COVID-19 Return to Operations for details on the mandatory procedures that have been implemented.
- Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
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.
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Entrance Requirements
COVID-19 Notice to Applicants
Application processing
Applications are accepted from October 1st* to April 16th.*
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
*or next business dayEntrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Three-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Requirements completed within the last five years
- Related experience*
- Additional post-secondary academic courses*
*Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (73%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (73%) from a recognized institution
- 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%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary human biology (73%) from a recognized institution
- Physics 12 (67%) or Physics 12 equivalent taken in first year post-secondary
- 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 math (preferably calculus-based)
- 6.0 credits physics (must require Physics 12 as a pre-requisite for registration in first 3-credit course)
- 3.0 credits English (preferably composition based)
- 6.0 credits general education (also called liberal studies)
- Further biology credits are an asset but not required
- Complete the following assessment:
- Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer): CASPer will send your results directly to the BCIT Radiation Therapy department.
- Letter of reference describing your volunteer experience and confirming your hours from your volunteer organization*
- 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.
*Volunteer experience: Candidates must show a commitment to patient care by completing a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer work in a hospital or care facility -or- by having previous work experience in healthcare or other equivalent experience. Examples of relevant volunteer experience include: senior care homes, community centers (dealing with clients with special needs), hospitals, medical clinics, children's camps, rehabilitation centers, etc. Relevant volunteer experience includes frequent, personal interactions with clients or patients requiring special attention.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area. Applicant files are assessed and scored based on completion, academic strength of listed entrance requirements, scoring of the mandatory questionnaire, and CASPer test results. Only complete applications received by the application deadline date will be considered.
Step 3: 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.CPR Health Provider (HCP) - Level C
Student Acknowledgement of Program and Physical Requirements form [PDF] for full participation in labs held at BCIT and clinical experience at affiliated clinical sites.
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
- Basic keyboarding and computer skills
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
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 e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees page for full-time 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 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 $800 (subject to change).
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Program matrix
Level 5 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BHSC 5101 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 5.5 | |
COMM 5105 | Communication 1 for Radiation Therapy | 2.0 | |
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 5105 | Treatment Planning 1 | 3.0 | |
Level 6A (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
BHSC 5102 | Applied Social Science 1 | 3.0 | |
BHSC 6101 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4.0 | |
BHSC 6103 | Pathology | 3.0 | |
BUSA 7250 | Management Skills and Applications | 3.0 | |
HSIP 1000 | Health Sciences Interprofessional Patient Care | 2.0 | |
MATH 6105 | Statistics and Research Methodology for Radiation Therapy | 3.0 | |
RADT 1100 | Pharmacology for Oncology Patients | 1.0 | |
RADT 6102 | Radiation Therapy & Safety | 4.0 | |
RADT 6105 | Treatment Planning 2 | 3.0 | |
RADT 6114 | Physics for Radiation Therapy 2 | 5.5 | |
Level 6B (4 weeks) | Credits | ||
RADT 6101 | Clinical Simulation Lab* | 6.5 | |
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 | |
RADT 6109 | Project Research 1 | 4.0 | |
RADT 7105 | Treatment Planning 3 | 5.5 | |
RADT 8106 | Radiobiology | 2.0 | |
RADT 8110 | Radiation Oncology Practice 1 | 4.0 | |
RADT 8120 | Radiation Oncology Practice 2 | 4.0 | |
Level 8B (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
RADT 8101 | Clinical Experience 2* | 24.0 | |
Level 9 (15 Weeks) | Credits | ||
COMM 6105 | Communication 2 for Radiation Therapy | 2.0 | |
LIBS 7021 | Health Ethics | 3.0 | |
MIMG 6106 | Imaging Technology: CT/MR/PACS | 2.0 | |
RADT 7109 | Research Project 2 | 3.0 | |
RADT 8105 | Treatment Planning 4 | 6.0 | |
RADT 8116 | Care of Oncology Patient | 3.0 | |
RADT 8250 | Total Quality Management | 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: | 184.5 |
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.
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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 Agency 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, nutritionists, 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.
You should have a strong aptitude for physics and math, and a desire for a challenging and rewarding career.
Learn more about the virtual technology that the Radiation Therapy students use:
These students explain what to expect when you study Radiation Therapy at BCIT:
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.
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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 nutritionists to support cancer patients during their treatment. Entry-level radiation therapist positions start with casual employment in hospitals. Full-time salaries start at approximately $69,000 annually.
Graduates can work in many countries. While some go overseas, many seek work at one of these six BC Cancer Agency radiation therapy departments.
Want to know more about the work we do? Visit the Health Science Association.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2017-2019 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2016-2018 graduates and for Degree 2015-2017 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Lorraine Clarke-Roe, AC(T), Ed.D
Program Head
Tel: 604-451-6923
Email: Lorraine_Clarke-Roe@bcit.ca
Student clinical education is supported by preceptors, radiation therapists, medical physicists, physics assistants, radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals.
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