Oncology Degree Programs

<p>Oncology involves the study and treatment of cancer. If you're interested in becoming an oncologist, you'll need to complete a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program followed by a 3-4 year residency in a hospital's oncology center. The most common available degrees in this subject are offered through associate's and bachelor's programs in radiation therapy. </p> <p>Some schools may expect you to complete an associate's program in radiation therapy before starting a bachelor's program. Associate's programs generally take two years to complete. Before beginning an associate's or bachelor's program, some schools recommend that you obtain high school-level experience in algebra, physics, chemistry and biology. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Programs</b></td><td> Associate's and bachelor's levels, usually in radiation therapy</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Skills</b></td><td> Delivering radiation treatment, working with patients, pathology, anatomy, medical imaging and chemistry</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online programs are rare, but may be available through a bachelor of health science in medical imaging</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $86,850 per year <i>(Radiation Therapists)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>7% growth <i>(Radiation Therapists)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsWillIGain">What Skills Will I Gain?</h3> <p>Undergraduate programs in radiation therapy show you how to deliver radiation treatment to patients and detect cancerous areas in patient X-rays. You'll also learn how to work with a variety of patients suffering from different stages of illness. Programs typically involve multiple clinical experiences at a medical center to give you hands-on practice assisting physicians and observing other radiation therapists. Common topics that you'll cover during both an associate's and bachelor's degree program include: </p> <ul><li>Radiation oncology </li><li>Patient care </li><li>Medical imaging </li><li>Human anatomy </li><li>Chemistry lab </li><li>Pathology </li></ul><h3 id="section---CanITakeItOnline">Can I Take It Online?</h3> <p>Online undergraduate radiation therapy programs are rare, but you can enroll in an online Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Imaging program. You might need to be a registered radiologic technologist in order to qualify; a criminal background check may also be needed. </p> <p>Coursework can be completed online, but in-person clinical practicums are required. You also may be required to attend an on-campus orientation before starting your program. Technical requirements usually include a computer with high-speed Internet, headphones, speakers and a printer. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeARadiationTherapist">How Do I Become a Radiation Therapist?</h3> <p>With your associate's or bachelor's degree, you might find work at a hospital or health clinic as a radiation therapist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many states require radiation therapists to obtain licensure; professional certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is often one way of meeting this requirement (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <p>To earn ARRT certification, you'll need to graduate from an accredited postsecondary program, acquire clinical experience hours, provide a clean criminal record and successfully complete the radiation therapy certification exam (<i>www.arrt.org</i>). According to the BLS, radiation therapists earned a median annual salary of $86,850 in 2020.</p>