Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Median Annual Wage: $80,090

Education: Associate's degree (50%); Bachelor's degree (38%); Post-secondary certificate (9%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Radiation Therapist; Staff Radiation Therapist; Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT); Registered Radiation Therapist; Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist); Chief Radiation Therapist (Chief RT); Dosimetrist; Lead Radiation Therapist; Medical Dosimetrist; Senior Radiation Therapist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiation Therapists.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
  • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  • Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  • Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
  • Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  • Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
  • Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
  • Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
  • Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
  • Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
  • Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
  • Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
  • Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
  • Schedule patients for treatment times.
  • Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
  • Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiation Therapists.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiation Therapists.

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