Radiation Therapists

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Duties

The following is a typical list of duties performed by radiation therapists:

• Answer the patient's questions concerning their treatment options and the plan of action.
• Protect yourself and your patients against radiation poisoning.
• Identify the precise location of the problem region and institute therapy accordingly.
• Set up and run the equipment necessary to provide radiation therapy to the patient.
• Keep a close eye on the patient for any unexpected side effects of the therapy.
• Keep a careful log of all medical procedures.

Radiation therapists use technologies like linear accelerators to administer intense radiation treatment to the tumor area of a patient. Cancers and tumors may be reduced or eliminated with radiation therapy. As part of the oncology team that treats cancer patients, radiation therapists play an important role. 

Working with the following professionals is not uncommon:

• Oncologists that specialize in radiation treatment are known as radiation oncologists.
• Patients with cancer get specialized care from oncology nurses.
• Scientists in the medical physics field assist in the design of radiation treatments, the development of safer radiation treatments, and the verification of the accuracy of radiation output.

Education

Candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in radiation treatment are more likely to get hired by employers. A certificate program, on the other hand, may qualify individuals for particular employment.

Courses on radiation treatment methods and scientific ideas are included in radiation therapy curricula. Courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, mathematics, computer science, and research methods are common in these programs. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognized around 110 approved educational programs in 2016. (ARRT).

Qualities that matter

Dedicated to accuracy and precision. To ensure that the patient receives the appropriate dose of radiation, radiation therapists are required to adhere strictly to detailed instructions and enter precise measurements.

The ability to interact with others. Patients and radiation therapists have a tight relationship. Therapists need to be able to relate to clients who are experiencing both physical and mental stress in order to help them.

Stamina of the body. Long shifts on your feet and lifting and moving patients are two of the requirements for becoming a radiation therapist.

Competencies in a certain field of expertise. Radiation therapists must have a working knowledge of computers and other major technology equipment.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Radiation therapists in the majority of states are required to be licensed or qualified. Depending on the state, a recognized radiation therapy curriculum and ARRT certification are usually required.

The ARRT certification process necessitates the completion of a recognized radiation therapy curriculum, adherence to ARRT ethical standards, and successful completion of the certification test. Radiation protection and quality assurance, radiation oncology clinical principles, treatment planning, administration of therapy, and patient care and education are all part of the exam's scope. ARRT provides a list of accredited programs.

There are a number of vocations that require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or basic life support.

Pay

The median annual wage for radiation therapists was $101,990 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $141,550.

Job Projections

Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.