San Diego, Calif. Feb. 17, 2015 – National University, the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California, now offers the only Bachelor of Science Radiation Therapy Program in the state that has achieved accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
The rigorous accreditation process through JRCERT assures the public of a quality professional education in radiologic sciences. JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education for the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.
National University’s Radiation Therapy Program, which launched two years ago, is available through the School of Health and Human Services at three different campus locations: San Diego, Costa Mesa, and Sacramento. The University has plans to expand it to other campuses.
“At National University, we are dedicated to preparing our students for careers in high-demand fields such as radiation therapy and in many other related specialties in health and human services,” said School of Health and Human Services Dean Gloria McNeal . “This accreditation affirms the high standards we hold in providing a quality education to our students and preparing them to excel in their careers.”
The program prepares students to become radiation therapists by combining classroom with clinical experience. Graduates are trained in critical thinking and communication skills to provide the highest quality of patient care and treatment, and they learn how to work as an integral member of healthcare teams treating cancer and other diseases. Once the program is completed, students can apply to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ national examination and apply for certification from the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch.
The field of radiation therapy is projected to grow 24 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage of a radiation therapist in California reached $98,230 in 2013 and $81,740 nationally. National University’s accreditation became effective Dec. 15, 2014. As of now, no other JRCERT-accredited bachelor’s program in radiation therapy exists in the state of California.
About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 75 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.