GREELEY and LOVELAND — Health care students interested in radiology careers can now earn a bachelor of science degree in radiation therapy and dosimetry through the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Centers in Greeley and Loveland.

The health care company has arranged for the degrees to be awarded through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, but most of the work on the degrees will occur remotely or in Northern Colorado at either McKee Medical Center in Loveland or North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. 

Students will complete online courses with faculty in Houston while conducting research, labs and clinical rotations at the Northern Colorado facilities, according to a Banner press statement.

Radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists help treat cancer patients using approaches designed to limit radiation damage to healthy tissue that surrounds cancerous tissue.

“We’re facing a shortage of radiation therapy experts, and Banner MD Anderson has many opportunities that enable recent graduates to launch exciting and rewarding careers that make a difference in the lives of patients,” Kate Sorensen, clinical coordinator of Banner MD Anderson, said in a written statement. “Having the opportunity to  gain certification in both areas of radiation therapy and dosimetry is rare and helpful.”  

To qualify for the program, students must have at least an associates degree, while medical dosimetry usually requires a bachelor’s degree. Participants in the program will attend orientation in Houston for six weeks of the first semester of the program and will return for a minimum of four weeks each summer semester. 

For more information, contact Chace.Carver@bannerhealth.com.