This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The department offers second modality B.S. degree concentrations for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-certified radiographers who desire to continue their professional education and concentrate in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology or diagnostic medical sonography. Upon meeting admission prerequisites, students complete a five-semester, full-time course of study including didactic, laboratory and clinical education. Graduates are eligible for additional national professional certification examinations.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

Program core learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency in performing imaging/therapy procedures
  • Demonstrate proper patient care skills
  • Practice appropriate methods of patient safety (to include radiation safety as appropriate)
  • Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically think and problem solve
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior

Radiation therapy concentration-specific outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency in delivering radiation therapy treatments
  • Demonstrate proficiency at conduction simulation skills
 

Special requirements

Prerequisites

Course Title Hours
ARRT certification (or eligibility) in radiography 1
Humanities course3
English composition course3
Social science course3
Natural/physical science course3
1

Must be ARRT certified in radiography within two semesters of enrollment.

English proficiency

All non-native applicants must meet VCU's minimum TOEFL score requirements prior to admission.

Enrolled students must earn a minimum grade of C in the following CLRS courses:

Course Title Hours
Orientation to Radiation Therapy
Oncologic Patient Care
Pathology and Treatment Principles I
Radiation Therapy, Techniques and Applications
Physics for Radiation Therapy
Clinical Education I
Clinical Education II
Clinical Education III
Pathology and Treatment Principles II
Radiobiology
Quality Management in Radiation Therapy
Clinical Education IV
Clinical Education V

Degree requirements for Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in radiation therapy (second modality)

Course Title Hours
General education
Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. 130
Major requirements
• Major core requirements
CLRS 206Cross-sectional Anatomy2
CLRS 398Introduction to Research1
CLRS 498Senior Project2
• Additional major requirements
ALHP 430Overview of Research in the Health Professions3
CLRS 305Orientation to Radiation Therapy2
CLRS 309Oncologic Patient Care2
CLRS 314Pathology and Treatment Principles I4
CLRS 323Radiation Therapy, Techniques and Applications4
CLRS 342Physics for Radiation Therapy3
CLRS 393Clinical Education I 22
CLRS 394Clinical Education II 22
CLRS 395Clinical Education III 23
CLRS 408Introduction to Computed Tomography (CT)2
CLRS 412Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning3
CLRS 415Pathology and Treatment Principles II4
CLRS 430Radiobiology2
CLRS 455Quality Management in Radiation Therapy2
CLRS 488Senior Seminar3
CLRS 493Clinical Education IV 23
CLRS 494Clinical Education V 23
Ancillary requirements
ARRT radiation therapy certification (credits applied toward degree)50
Additional subjects and credits required for admission 312
STAT 210Basic Practice of Statistics3
UNIV 200Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations)3
Total Hours120
1

Some general education categories will be met with admission requirements. Consult with an adviser to determine remaining categories.

2

These courses have variable credits. The credits indicated are the most commonly used in the curriculum.

3

See special requirements section for details of prerequisite courses. 

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.

What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.

Minimum credits from ARRT certification and courses from accredited college or university: 62

Junior year
Fall semesterHours
ALHP 430 Overview of Research in the Health Professions 3
CLRS 305 Orientation to Radiation Therapy 2
CLRS 309 Oncologic Patient Care 2
CLRS 323 Radiation Therapy, Techniques and Applications 4
CLRS 393 Clinical Education I 2
STAT 210 Basic Practice of Statistics 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
CLRS 206 Cross-sectional Anatomy 2
CLRS 314 Pathology and Treatment Principles I 4
CLRS 342 Physics for Radiation Therapy 3
CLRS 394 Clinical Education II 2
CLRS 398 Introduction to Research 1
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
 Term Hours: 15
Summer semester
CLRS 395 Clinical Education III 3
 Term Hours: 3
Senior year
Fall semester
CLRS 408 Introduction to Computed Tomography (CT) 2
CLRS 415 Pathology and Treatment Principles II 4
CLRS 455 Quality Management in Radiation Therapy 2
CLRS 493 Clinical Education IV 3
CLRS 498 Senior Project 2
 Term Hours: 13
Spring semester
CLRS 412 Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning 3
CLRS 430 Radiobiology 2
CLRS 488 Senior Seminar 3
CLRS 494 Clinical Education V 3
 Term Hours: 11
 Total Hours: 58

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.