Radiation Therapy Admissions and Application Information

OHSU students cross the street on campus near the Robertson Life Sciences Building.

Learn what you need to apply to the OHSU Radiation Therapy Program.

On this page, you’ll find information on:

Application deadlines and timeline

  • Applications open: Nov. 1
  • Application deadline: Feb. 28
  • Program start: Fall

Application requirements

To apply, you must have:

Review prerequisites and request a transcript review.

How to apply to the Radiation Therapy program

Step 1: Complete prerequisites

Complete the required prerequisite coursework at an accredited college or university.

Depending on your educational background, you may have already completed some prerequisite requirements. We offer transcript reviews to help you identify which prerequisite courses you still need to complete.

You may apply while completing prerequisite courses, but you must complete all requirements before the program starts.

Review prerequisites and learn how to request a transcript review.

Step 2: Complete 24 hours of observation

Complete at least 24 hours of observation in radiation therapy departments and submit the required observation forms.

Observation forms

  • Documented Observation Form: Bring this form to each observation. Ask your supervisor to complete it, scan it and email it to cosand@ohus.edu.
  • Completed Observation Form: After you finish all required observations, complete this form and submit it with your application. Record each observation, including the date, hours, supervisor's name, clinic name, address and phone number.

Step 3: Submit your application

Complete your application in the application portal and submit the following by the deadline:

  • Official transcripts (sent by your institution through secure digital transfer or mail )
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended (upload to the application portal)
  • Completed observation forms
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation

Sending official transcripts

If your institution offers secure digital transcripts, email transcripts to rttprogram@ohsu.edu. We prefer digital transcripts over paper copies.

Mail official paper transcripts to:

OHSU School of Medicine Graduate Admissions
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road L102GS
Portland, Oregon 97239

Application review process and next steps

After you submit your application, our admissions committee carefully reviews your coursework, observation experience, recommendations and personal statement. Here's what to expect next.

Interviews

We invite a select group of applicants to campus to learn more about the program and meet faculty and staff. During the interview day, you’ll participate in tours, demonstrations and individual and group interviews.

Admissions decisions

We notify all applicants of our admissions decision by email. The program admits between 9-11 students each year.

Waitlist

If all available seats are filled, we create a waitlist of qualified applicants. If a space becomes available before the program begins, we may offer admission to a student on the waitlist.

We do not offer admission from the waitlist after September.

Reapplying

If you are not admitted but meet the initial requirements, we encourage you to apply again in the future. Complete a self-reflection form and email us at rttprogram@ohsu.edu to request an advising meeting. We can help you identify ways to strengthen your future application. 

International applicant requirements

If you completed coursework outside the United States, you must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation as part of your application.

We accept evaluations from the following credential evaluation services:

Admissions FAQs

What GPA do I need to apply?

You need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to apply. Admitted students typically have higher GPAs, with a recent average cumulative GPA of about 3.5.

What observation experience do I need before applying?

You must complete at least 24 hours of observation in a radiation therapy department before applying. Observation helps you learn about the profession and decide if radiation therapy is the right career path for you.

What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement should explain why you want to become a radiation therapist and how your experiences have prepared you for the profession. You may also discuss your observation experience, career goals and interest in OHSU.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Choose instructors or employers who know you well and can speak to your abilities, work ethic and character. If needed, one personal reference may replace an instructor or employer.

Your recommenders must submit their letters through the application portal by the application deadline.

How much is the application fee? Can I apply for a fee waiver?

The application fee is $70. If you have a financial hardship, you may request an application fee waiver by emailing somgrad@ohsu.edu before submitting your application. Include your CAS ID number, which you can find in the application portal.

If I am not admitted, can I apply again?

Yes. You may apply once per admissions cycle. Successful applicants often strengthen their applications by completing additional coursework, gaining more observation experience or meeting with an adviser before reapplying.

Can I work while in the program or attend part time?

The Radiation Therapy program is a full-time program. You must complete courses and clinical experiences in a set sequence over 23 months. Because of the intensity of the program, we do not recommend working while you are enrolled. Some students work part time, but you should regularly consider whether you can balance work and other commitments as program demands increase.

How many students does OHSU’s Radiation Therapy Program accept each year?

OHSU admits up to 11 students to the Radiation Therapy Program each year.

Matriculation requirements

Before you start the Radiation Therapy Program, you must complete the following requirements:

Immunizations

You must be current on required immunizations before you start the program. Review OHSU’s immunization requirements for new students.

Background check

You must complete a criminal background check after receiving a conditional admission offer. The background check includes criminal history and previous address information. Learn more in OHSU’s Policy No. 03-10-011.

You do not need to disclose criminal convictions before receiving an admission offer. A criminal conviction does not automatically prevent admission. However, professional licensure requirements vary by state and may affect your ability to obtain a license after graduation. Check with your state licensing agency for more information.

If OHSU denies admission because of a criminal conviction, you may appeal the decision to the Office of the Provost at provost@ohsu.edu.

Drug and alcohol testing

You must pass an initial drug screening. Additional testing may be required for clinical placements or if there is concern about impairment during the program. Learn more in OHSU’s Policy No. 02-01-003.

HIPAA training

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects the privacy and security of patient health information.

You must complete OHSU’s Information Privacy and Security training before accessing systems or areas with protected health information. Complete the training before access is granted or within 30 days of starting at OHSU, whichever comes first. Learn more in OHSU’s Policy No. 01-05-012.

Integrity trainings

All OHSU students, employees, faculty and volunteers must complete annual integrity trainings.

Basic Life Support certification (BLS)

You must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers before participating in clinical experiences. The program provides BLS certification during your first term. 

Scholarships available

OHSU offers a variety of scholarships that can help fund your education. 

Hear from students

"Attending OHSU has been an amazing experience. The program's coursework and clinical experiences strengthened my confidence and prepared me for a successful career.”

— Jovonte Kinney, Class of 2026