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
Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.
Application processing
Note: This program is under review and is not accepting applications until further notice. To be added to our future interest list, please contact Leanna Wong.
Indigenous applicants: This program is committed to the recruitment and retention of Indigenous applicants. To support applicants, a dedicated Indigenous admissions process was established, and dedicated seat(s) per intake are reserved for Indigenous students.
To be considered under this admission category, applicants must:
- Self-identify as an Indigenous person of Canada on the admission application
- Have successfully completed the program’s entrance requirements.
Our program also works closely with Indigenous services at BCIT to ensure students receive the best possible support and encouragement while in the program. Please visit Indigenous Initiatives for more information on available resources.
Entrance requirements
This program has a three-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Applicants must complete a pre-entry assessment form to have their education, experience, and interest assessed by the program area.
Submit your completed pre-entry assessment [PDF] form to Leanna_Wong@bcit.ca for review. You may be requested to meet with the program area as part of the pre-assessment process. Once your pre-entry assessment form has been signed by the program area, you can upload it and submit your online application.
Step 2: Submit your application and 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%) 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
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 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. For instructions and more information, visit Student Health Services’ Health Science Student Information.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.
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
Note: This program is under review and is not accepting applications until further notice. To be added to our future interest list, please contact Leanna Wong.
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.
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 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 | |
| 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 | |
| MATH 6105 | Statistics and Research Methodology for Radiation Therapy | 3.0 | |
| 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 | |
| RADT 6103 | Imaging Technologies in Radiation Therapy | 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.
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:
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 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 $93,000 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.
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
Lorraine Clarke-Roe
AC(T), Ed.D
Program Head
Tel: 604-451-6923
Email: Lorraine_Clarke-Roe@bcit.ca
More about Lorraine Clarke-Roe
Lorraine trained in radiation therapy at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. After graduating, she moved to the west coast to start work at the Vancouver Cancer Center. It was during this time that she began to have an interest in becoming a clinical/didactic instructor for the student program which used to be in-house.
Further education and a continued focus on education, led to completing the Advanced Certificate in Radiation Therapy and a Master’s degree in Education from SFU. When the training program moved to BCIT in 2001, Lorraine also moved from the clinical department to assume the role of program head.
Over the last 20+ years, the program has undergone many changes in the both the credential and to the inclusion of advanced educational technology to assist students in developing competency in radiation therapy. Lorraine continues in the role of program head but looks forward to spending more time gardening, hiking, and travelling in the future.
Maryna von Aulock
RT(T), B.Ed, MSc
Faculty
Tel: 604-456-1183
Email: Maryna_von_Aulock@bcit.ca
More about Maryna von Aulock
Work experience
Maryna von Aulock has over 12 years’ experience as a clinical radiotherapist in Cape Town where she received her qualifications from Groote Schuur Hospital. Maryna is a certified member of CAMRT and has been a faculty member in the Radiation Therapy Program at BCIT since 2009.
Education
Maryna holds degrees from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, for Advanced Teaching, a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of South Africa, and a Master’s Degree majoring in Brain Compatible Learning from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Other
Her teaching philosophy aspires to create student-centered learning environments in which the student is in the driver’s seat of their own learning. She encourages students to walk into the classroom with a positive attitude towards learning, knowing that the best classes occur when students know that they are expected to do their best each and every day.
When not in the classroom, Maryna enjoys ceramic painting and watercolour painting.
Jake Kempt
RT(T), RTMR, B.MRSc.
Faculty
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.
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
RT(T), BSc.
Faculty
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 is currently enrolled in 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.
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