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Radiation Therapy Degrees for Military & Veterans

Radiation Therapy Degrees for Military & Veterans

Radiation therapy involves using various kinds of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. X-rays, gamma rays, electrons, and protons can all be used to help treat a variety of conditions and improve patients' health and well-being.

According to the University of Iowa, "Radiation sciences professionals work with a team of health professionals to gather accurate patient information for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury." RT Technologists operate X-ray equipment, perform CTs and MRIs, and perform many other hospital procedures.


Technologists must "possess knowledge, skill, and mature judgment to operate complex equipment safely and efficiently. They produce quality images using multiple sources of radiation, and they deliver quality patient care during diagnosis and treatment procedures." Taking an undergrad course in this field "allows you to complete the mandatory competencies and courses that allow you to apply to take the national board exams required to practice professionally."

What can you do with a Radiation Therapy Degree?

Radiation Therapist: Administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases. Median Annual Salary: $83,000.

A radiation therapist is an essential member of a radiation oncology health team. They use carefully targeted doses of powerful radiation beams to kill cancer cells and destroy tumors without harming the rest of the body! Radiation therapy can help cure cancer in most patients and improve the quality of life in most others.

GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program options to Earn a Degree in Radiation Therapy

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities. There is also help for military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid. Military spouses looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with Radiation Therapy programs.

Getting a Degree in Radiation Therapy

A Degree in Radiation Therapy is typically offered as an Associate of Science Degree and a Bachelor’s degree.

An Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy will provide students with essential courses in the Arts and Sciences along with a focused education in radiation therapy. A Bachelor’s Degree will include additional core educational courses in the Arts and Sciences, a focused education in radiation therapy, along with other related health science courses.

Both degree levels will provide students with essential classroom and clinical education requirements. Students will acquire necessary professional skills such as:
  • dose calculation
  • treatment delivery
  • quality assurance
A clinical experience of interacting with patients and delivering radiation therapy is essential. Radiation Therapy programs that are accredited provide intensive and comprehensive clinical experience for their students. Students will be trained to provide professional and competent clinical care to patients along with other essential skills including:
  • Demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Demonstrating professional work standards
While a Radiation Therapy Degree and corresponding clinical experience will more than adequately prepare graduates for a career in Radiation Therapy, a license is gained through successful completion of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination in radiation therapy. Graduates with a Degree in Radiation Therapy are encouraged to attain licensure as a registered radiation therapist.

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Degrees in Radiation Therapy

Ready to start your Degree in Radiation Therapy? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Offers a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Radiation Therapy. Upstate Medical University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP  exam, and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. JPU has GI Bill-approved programs, awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. JPU is a Yellow Ribbon school.

Is a Radiation Therapy Degree worth it?

Radiation therapists are an essential component of a successful oncology team. Don’t forget: in order to obtain certification and registration in Radiation Therapy, all potential radiation therapists must sit for the Radiation Therapy examination through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Click here to learn more.