What does a radiation therapist do?

As a radiation therapist, you are the person within a specialised healthcare team who plans a patient's radiation treatment using computer technology and clinical information. You are also the person who delivers the radiation therapy, using a range of high-tech treatment options, and who supports the patient during their course of treatment.

Admission to the programme

We welcome applications from those interested in this great career choice. Admission involves consideration of your academic ability and your suitability to the profession, as demonstrated at an interview. Selection for interview is based on academic performance and interviews are held in October each year.

Applicants who are of Māori or indigenous Pacific descent may request this to be taken into account as part of their application.

Department visit and careers presentation

To help you see what is involved in the profession, we highly recommend that all applicants attend one of our career information sessions/department visits. These are held at radiation oncology departments around New Zealand between June and September each year and are a great opportunity to see first-hand what this career is all about.

The timetable for visits will be available on the Department of Radiation Therapy website as details are confirmed.

What does the programme involve?

The programme is based at the Wellington campus of the University of Otago. The class size is limited to about 30 students, so entry to the programme is competitive.

The programme is full-time and takes three years of study to complete. In addition to the academic papers, there is a large component of clinical work within the degree, particularly in the second and third year where half the time is based in clinical placements. Students are usually placed at a different radiation oncology department in Year 2 and Year 3, to give a range of clinical experience.

Postgraduate study

There are options of completing an honours thesis and/or postgraduate papers in radiation therapy advanced practice. These can lead to a postgraduate certificate, diploma, master's degree, and Doctor of Philosophy qualifications.

How to apply

Application information for admission into the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) programme is available on the Division of Health Sciences website:

Radiation Therapy: Guidelines for Admission

Background required

There are a number of ways that you can enter the programme; we take students straight after Year 13 as well as those who have done one or more years of university study, already have a degree or are looking for a career change. Look on our website for the entry requirements of each category.

Personal attributes of empathy, attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills are required.