Radiation Therapy Schools in New Jersey

Cian

Last updated at August 20, 2021

There are only two educational programs that lead to qualification as a Radiation Therapist in New Jersey and both of these 12-month certificate programs are designed for Diagnostic Radiographers who are looking to further extend their knowledge and skills.

Therefore students who are interested in pursuing a career as a Radiation Therapist in New Jersey may wish to review the many options available to qualify as a Radiographer first. For example, Bergen Community College, Brookdale Community College, County College of Morris, and Cumberland County College are just a few of the institutions that offer an accredited program leading to an award of Associate of Applied Science in Radiography.

View also:

• View radiologic technology schools in New Jersey
• Learn about radiation therapy education & career requirements

Aspiring Radiation Therapists who successfully gain a two-year associate degree in Radiography from any of these accredited institutions could then go on to complete one of the one-year certificates in Radiation Therapy that are available, allowing for full qualification as a Radiation Therapist within three years.

How to obtain professional credentials as a Radiation Therapist in New Jersey

Professional Radiation Therapists often choose to seek registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Registered members are granted professional credentials which attest to their professional competence, knowledge, and skills in their field.

There are several criteria that must be met in order to become and remain a registered member of ARRT as a Radiation Therapist.

The first of these is to show that a suitable educational program specifically dealing with Radiation Therapy has been completed. ARRT reviews the content and curriculum of Radiation Therapy educational programs and provides a listing of the programs that they recognize and approve. In addition, candidates must also possess at least an associate-level degree or higher in order to meet the educational criteria.

ARRT also requires that candidates for membership pass their professional registration examination. This is a four-hour, computer-based test that examines the basic knowledge required by a Radiation Therapist. Topics include how to care for patients and plan their treatment, radiation health and safety, theories and concepts of radiation oncology, and technical knowledge related to equipment and dosimetry. Candidates may only make three attempts to pass the examination in a three-year period.

Finally, candidates are required to adhere to the ethical standards set by ARRT. The application for membership contains several screening questions that relate to previous behavior including a requirement to divulge any previous convictions for misdemeanors or felonies. Candidates are also directed to review the ARRT Standard of Ethics document.

In common with many other professions, Radiation Therapists must keep their skills and knowledge up to date. This is achieved via completion of Continuing Education and Continuing Qualification credits at regular intervals. This is required in order to maintain their professional registration with ARRT and their state license to practice as a Radiation Therapist.

How to become a licensed Radiation Therapist in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection holds the remit to license and regulate Radiation Therapists within the state. New Jersey requires candidates seeking licensure to meet a number of requirements.

A key requirement is to provide evidence of completion of a radiation therapy educational program that has either been approved by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners or by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). A second key requirement is to either obtain a passing score on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination or present evidence of existing ARRT membership credentials.

Candidates must also demonstrate that they are of good moral character, have completed their high school education, and be of at least 18 years of age.

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Accredited Radiation Therapy Schools in New Jersey

Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College enrolls nearly 17,000 students in its academic degree programs across three sites in Paramus (main campus), Hackensack (Ciarco Learning Center), and Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands).

The Bergen Community College Radiation Therapy Program is a one-year certificate program. Entry to the program is restricted to registered or registry-eligible Diagnostic Radiographers. Candidates must also have previously completed an associate degree or higher (bachelor’s or master’s) from an accredited college with a minimum overall average GPA of 2.5.

The program consists of a blend of classroom learning combined with formal lectures, laboratory training, and clinical experiences. Upon completion, the graduate is eligible to apply for state licensure and national registration in this specialty. Graduates are also awarded a maximum of thirty-six college-level credits.

Accreditation for the study program at Bergen Community College is in place from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have also approved the program.

400 Paramus Road

Paramus, NJ 07652

201-447-7100

Website: https://bergen.edu/

St. Barnabas Medical Center

Saint Barnabas Medical Center is a 577-bed non-profit teaching hospital located in Livingston, New Jersey. The hospital offers a 12-month program in Radiation Therapy leading to the award of a certificate. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has also examined the curriculum and approved it as suitable preparation for their professional credentialing examination.

The aim of the program is to educate students to have the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required of a graduate entry-level radiation therapist and promote Saint Barnabas Medical Center’s mission to provide compassionate care, healthcare excellence, and superior service to patients and their families in all aspects of the curriculum.

During the program, students will undertake a mix of classroom-based learning and clinical skill-building. Topics of study include Radiation Therapy Physics; Mathematics; Oncologic Pathology; Radiobiology; Human Structure and Function; Clinical Radiation Oncology; Dosimetry; Patient Care; Safety and Protection; Medical Ethics and Law; and Technical Radiation Oncology.

94 Old Short Hills Road

Livingston, NJ 07039

973-322-5630

Website: https://www.rwjbh.org/saint-barnabas-medical-center/

Cian