Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments.Duties
Radiation therapists typically do the following:
- Examine machines to make sure they are safe and work properly
- Explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment
- Follow safety procedures to protect the patient and themselves from overexposure
- X-ray the patient to determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment
- Check the computer programs to make sure that they will give the correct dose of radiation to the correct area of the patient’s body
- Operate the equipment to treat the patient with radiation
- Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions to the treatment
- Keep detailed records of treatment
Most radiation therapy uses machines called linear accelerators. These machines direct high-energy x rays at specific cancer cells in a patient’s body, shrinking or removing them.
Radiation therapists are part of the oncology team that treats patients with cancer. They often work with the following specialists:
- Radiation oncologists, physicians who specialize in radiation therapy
- Oncology nurses, nurses who specialize in patients with cancer
- Radiation physicists, physicists who calibrate linear accelerators
- Dosimetrists, workers who calculate the correct dose of radiation to use in the treatment
More Information:
Career Outlook:
Career Outlook data is specific to New Hampshire State.
Number of Jobs 2010:
69
Number of Projected Jobs 2020:
75
Jobs Percentage Change:
8.7%
Total Annual Openings:
2
Growth Outlook:
Less Favorable
June 2013 Entry Level Wage:
$32.13
June 2013 Mean Wage:
$41.41
June 2013 Experienced Wage:
$46.05
Salary Range:
$80,000+
Education Requirements:
Programs:
School:
Program:
Time to Complete:
1 year
Education Levels:
- Certificate
School Type:
New Hampshire Community College
School:
Program:
Time to Complete:
2 years
Education Levels:
- Associate
School Type:
New Hampshire Community College
License and Certification Requirements:
Coding Certification Required:
Yes
Coding License Required:
No
Certification(s) Required:
Yes
List of Required Certifications:
Radiation Therapy Certification
Certification Requirements:
To be certified you must: not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics; successfully complete a radiation therapy education program, and pass the ARRT Radiation Therapy Examination.
Career Categories:
Types of Work:
- Medical Support
- Technology
Workplace Environment:
Hospital
Private Medical Practice or Private Company
Types of Interaction:
Integrated Team Member