Radiation Therapy Program Prerequisites

Patient positioned on a radiation therapy treatment table while two clinicians align laser guides before treatment.

Before you enroll in the OHSU Radiation Therapy Program, you must complete prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university. This page explains the required coursework, how your previous college credits may apply and how to request a free transcript review and advising session.

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Required prerequisites

To enroll in the OHSU Radiation Therapy Program, you must:

  • Complete at least 90 transferable quarter credit hours. 
  • Complete all prerequisite courses listed below with a grade of “C” or higher. 
  • Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

You can apply while you're still completing your prerequisites, but you must finish all required coursework before you start the program.

Subject area Minimum credits required Required courses
Writing 9 English Composition I and II and Technical Writing
Humanities 9 to 12 Three humanities courses
Social science 9 to 12 Human Development plus two additional social science courses
Lab science 12 Three lab science courses. Any biology with lab or chemistry with lab course qualifies.
Anatomy and physiology 12 Anatomy and Physiology I, II and III
General physics (algebra-based) 12 General Physics I, II and III
College math 3 Precalculus I or College Algebra, and Precalculus II or Trigonometry
Nutrition science 2 Nutrition
Medical terminology 1 Medical terminology

OHSU uses the quarter system. We convert semester credits by multiplying them by 1.5. For example, a 4-credit semester course equals 6 quarter credits. 

Prerequisites older than seven years

If your math or science prerequisites are more than seven years old, you'll need to either retake the course or request a waiver.

We review waiver requests case by case. To qualify, you must have earned a B or higher in the course, and your academic or professional background must show you still have a solid foundation in that subject.

The program director approves all waiver decisions. To request a waiver form, email us at rttprogram@ohsu.edu.

How previous coursework applies

You may have already completed some prerequisites through previous coursework. Each pathway below shows which courses your education typically covers and what you still need to complete.

Choose the option that best matches your education:

*If you have a graduate or professional degree, choose this option. Your prior bachelor’s degree likely covered some prerequisites.

No degree or other educational background

If your educational background doesn't match one of the pathways listed below, refer to the full prerequisites table above. Some of your past coursework may count toward these requirements. You'll need to complete any prerequisites you haven’t already met.

Download the full prerequisite worksheet to enter any past courses you have taken, then request a prerequisite transcript review to determine which prerequisites you still need. 

Associate degree in radiologic technology

An associate degree in radiologic technology from a JRCERT-accredited program often covers the lab science, anatomy and physiology and physics requirements.

If you have this degree, you typically still need:

Subject area Minimum credits required Required courses
Writing 9 English Composition I and II and Technical Writing
Humanities 9 to 12 Three humanities courses
Social science 9 to 12 Human Development plus two additional social science courses
College math 3 Precalculus I or College Algebra, and Precalculus II or Trigonometry
Nutrition science 2 Nutrition
Medical terminology 1 Medical terminology

Download the prerequisite worksheet for an associate degree in radiologic technology to enter your past courses. Once you complete it, you can request a prerequisite transcript review.

Bachelor's degree in any major

A bachelor's degree in any major often covers the writing, humanities and social science requirements.

If you have a bachelors' degree in any major, you typically still need: 

Subject area Minimum credits required Required courses
Lab science 12 Three lab science courses. Any biology with lab or chemistry with lab course qualifies.
Anatomy and physiology 12 Anatomy and Physiology I, II and III
General physics (algebra-based) 12 General Physics I, II and III
College math 3 Precalculus I or College Algebra, and Precalculus II or Trigonometry
Nutrition science 2 Nutrition
Medical terminology 1 Medical terminology

Workforce-oriented bachelor's degrees, such as a Bachelor of Applied Science, should use the No degree or other educational background pathway.

Download the prerequisite worksheet for a bachelor’s degree in any major to enter your past courses. Once you complete it, you can request a prerequisite transcript review.

Bachelor's degree in radiologic science

A bachelor's degree in radiologic science often covers most prerequisite requirements.

If you have this degree, you typically still need:

Subject area Minimum credits required Required courses
College math 3 Precalculus I or College Algebra, and Precalculus II or Trigonometry
Medical terminology 1 Medical Terminology

Download the prerequisite worksheet for a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science to enter your past courses. Once you complete it, you can request a prerequisite transcript review.

Qualifying course guidelines

Qualifying humanities and social science courses

Humanities

Humanities courses explore human ideas, values, creativity and expression. 

Qualifying subject areas include: 

  • Art
  • ASL
  • Communications
  • English
  • Ethics
  • Film and media studies
  • Foreign language
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature 
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Public speaking
  • Religion
  • Theater arts

Art, music, dance and theater courses must be academic rather than studio or performance based. 

Social sciences

Social science courses examine societies, human behavior and human interaction.

Qualifying subject areas include:

  • Anthropology
  • Criminal justice
  • Cultural geography
  • Economics
  • Environmental studies
  • Gender and ethnic studies
  • Gerontology
  • History
  • International studies
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Social justice
  • Sociology

Example course descriptions

If you're unsure whether your course qualifies, compare your course description or syllabus with the examples below. 

Technical writing

Introduces technical and professional communications. Students compose, design, revise and edit effective letters, memos, reports, descriptions, instructions and employment documents. Emphasizes precise use of language and graphics to communicate complex technical and procedural information safely, legally and ethically.

Human Development

Surveys major developmental theories and patterns of change and continuity from birth to death in human subjects. Emphasizes biological, cognitive and emotional development through the lifespan. Examines cultural influences on development.

Nutrition

Introduces components of an adequate diet, nutrient availability and utilization. Analyzes dietary intake and compares to current scientific guidelines. Examines peripheral factors influencing diet such as global and local issues, cultural environment and elements of food safety. Strong background in life sciences recommended. 

Trigonometry/Precalculus II

Investigates trigonometric functions, equations and identities. Examines right and oblique triangles, vectors, polar coordinates and complex numbers. Explores topics graphically, numerically, symbolically and verbally. Graphing technology is required.

How to request a prerequisite transcript review

We review unofficial transcripts to help you understand which prerequisites you’ve already completed and which you still need.

To request a transcript review:

  1. Download and complete the prerequisite worksheet (listed below).
  2. Gather unofficial transcripts from every school you’ve attended. Your transcripts must show course number, course name, term and year, final grades and cumulative GPA.
  3. Email your completed worksheet and transcripts to rttprogram@ohsu.edu.

Downloadable worksheets:

Please allow up to 14 business days for a response.

Our review provides an unofficial evaluation of your coursework. The OHSU Registrar makes the final decision on all transfer credits.

Have questions before you submit your materials? Email us at rttprogram@ohsu.edu. 

Prerequisite FAQs

Can I apply while I'm still completing my prerequisites?

Yes. You can apply while you are still completing prerequisites, but all required courses must be finished before you begin your program.

Do I need a degree to apply?

No. Students enter the program with many different educational backgrounds, including no degree, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. Admission requirements focus on prerequisite coursework rather than degree type.

Does OHSU prefer one educational background over another?

No. We don't prefer one educational background or institution over another. We review applicants based on completed prerequisite coursework and other admission requirements.

Can I take my prerequisite courses at OHSU?

No. You must complete all prerequisite courses at another accredited institution before you enroll. 

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