Radiation Therapist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$93,288
Most Common EducationAssociate's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+28.21%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Radiation Therapist uses radiation therapy to treat cancer and other diseases. Works in cancer treatment centers in collaboration with oncologists (physicians who specialize in cancer treatment) and other specialists.
Core Tasks:
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- 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.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- 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.
- Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
- Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
- Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
- Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
- Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
- Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
- Schedule patients for treatment times.
- Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
What to expect as a Radiation Therapist
1Earn a Associate's degree
9% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Radiation Therapist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
1758 openings for Radiation Therapists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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