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Students working with faculty on on piece of radiation technology as part of hands-on curriculum as part of Radiation Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN

Radiation therapist training at Mayo Clinic

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Program description

1

year program

15

students in each class

97%

first-time board exam pass rate (5 year average)

New for the fall 2024 class — approved to admit up to 15 students.

The one-year Radiation Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota provides one of the most comprehensive educational programs for the future workforce of radiation therapists. It is for passionate radiologic technologists who want to advance their careers in radiation oncology. Radiation therapists work with cancer patients on a continual basis, administering treatment and providing care.

In this program, you'll learn not only the foundational science and technique of radiation therapy, but also develop the skills necessary to collaborate with the oncology care team, contribute to individualized treatment plans, and provide care to patients and support to their families.

Choosing Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic's large medical practice allows you to gain experience with many tumor types and treatment techniques. You will learn from the best, have access to a wide variety of resources, and gain experience from a variety of cases that range from common to specialized to complex.

Program highlights:

  • Hands-on learning, centered around patient care. Our curriculum design has an emphasis on hands-on learning, clinical experiences, and direct application. You'll put the strong educational foundation you learn in the classroom into practice immediately as you start to work with patients.
  • Experience and familiarity with a wide variety of treatment procedures, such as, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body radiosurgery (SBRT), and conventional non-IMRT treatments; using cone beam CT image guidance and 6 degrees of freedom robotic couch.
  • Confidence in your next steps. During your training, you'll gain experience with the most advanced delivery tools and techniques to treat both common and complex cases. This experience will prepare you for anything you may encounter in your next steps!

Graduates of the Radiation Therapy Program will receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Upon completion, you will also be eligible and may apply to take the national registry examination administered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Portrait photo of Leila Bussman Yeakel, RTT and Program Director for Radiation Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The small class size ensures maximum learning and allows individualized attention. We have a great group of radiation therapists who are enthusiastic about teaching and you will have the opportunity to learn from the experts as we have a diverse faculty consisting of physicians, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and nurses. Everyone is sincerely interested in your education and learning!

Leila Bussman Yeakel, RTT
Radiation Therapy Program Director

Tylar Holland

Student stories

The Radiation Therapy Program provided a comprehensive educational experience in preparation to be an exceptional radiation therapist. I am beyond grateful for the faculty who created a welcoming, supportive environment. The program offered experience in photons, protons, CT simulation, dosimetry, and brachytherapy, providing diverse perspectives of a radiation therapist. After graduation, I felt confident to pass my board exam and enter my career as a radiation therapist!

Tylar Holland, RTT
2021 graduate, now a radiation therapist at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Rochester in proton therapy

How to apply

We care about more than grades and test scores

Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Campus and community

Rochester, MN

99%

pass rate over 40+ years

Accreditation and performance standards

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