California Radiation Therapist Schools

Radiation therapy schools in California offer comprehensive hands-on and classroom-based training for students who want to work in California's leading medical and surgical hospitals, cancer treatment centers, physicians' offices and university research departments. Many radiation therapy schools in California are located within a short drive from the major California medical centers and cancer treatment centers, and are partnered with medical training centers so that students can gain work experience during their careers. These schools offer degrees that range from one to two or more years in length.



Unlike many other states, the State of California does not have licensing requirements for radiation therapists but many employers do prefer students to have a bachelor's degree from an ARRT-accredited program, and also pass the ARRT certification exam. Learning about the different radiation therapy schools in California and educational programs available can help you decide which program is the right fit for you.

Top Radiation Therapy Schools in California

Learning about the different ARRT-accredited associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs available at different radiation therapy schools in California can help you make the most informed decision about your educational career. Some of the top radiation therapy schools in California include:

  • California State University - Long Beach
  • Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
  • City College of San Francisco
  • City of Hope
  • Foothill College
  • Loma Linda University Medical Center

These and other radiation therapy schools in California offer introductory and advanced courses in radiation therapy, and some programs can be completed in less than two years. Students need to complete a significant amount of hands-on training so that they can learn how to use different types of equipment, and follow safety protocol and guidelines when using various types of machines and equipment.

Attending Radiation Therapy Schools in California

Attending radiation therapy schools in California can prepare you for a rewarding career with many of the major medical facilities and hospitals around Los Angeles and California's largest cities. Major employers such as the Kaiser Foundation Clinic, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, the Los Angeles County Medical Center and the San Diego Naval Medical Center look for graduates of some of the top radiation therapy schools in California and may offer attractive positions to candidates shortly after graduation.

These schools provide students with extensive training in the fields of radiation physics, clinical anatomy, recordkeeping, physics, radiation therapy equipment safety and the history of radiation therapy for a well-rounded educational experience.

Even though the State of California does not require ARRT certification, the California Department of Health Services - Radiologic Health Branch does offer a certificate in this field. Some employers prefer that their radiation therapists are certified, because certification proves that the candidate knows how to meet the ethical standards set forth by the ARRT and that they have completed an associate's degree or bachelor's degree program that has been accredited by the ARRT at some point in their careers. Still, it's important for the individual to have completed a significant amount of hands-on training in by completing clinicals and practicum training at radiation therapy schools in California.