Radiation Therapist Career
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What a Radiation Therapist does:
Radiation Therapists, also known as Medical Therapeutic Radiographers, are skilled allied health professionals, who use Radiation Therapy to treat cancer in the human body.
Radiation Therapists work as part of the Oncology Team and use machines called linear accelerators. Linear Accelerators are used by Radiation Therapists to administer treatment to patients by projecting x rays at targeted cancer cells.
When the rays encounter human tissue they produce ions that shrink cancerous tumors.
The main duties of a Radiation Therapist include:
- Simulating, by using an x-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) scan to map out the tumor
- Positioning the patient so the radiation is aimed at the tumor cells
- Working with the Radiation Oncologist to develop a treatment plan
- Working with a Dosimetrist to calculate the dose of radiation to be used
- Explaining the treatment to the patient
- Answering a patients concerns
- Monitoring the patients condition during treatment, using monitors from a separate room
- Assessing the patient for any adverse side effects
Education & Qualifications:
Completing an accredited Degree Program in Radiation Therapy is required by most employers. Some Radiation Therapists complete a degree program in Radiography (the study of radiological imaging) and then complete a 1 year certificate program in Radiation Therapy.
Programs cover Radiation Therapy procedures and the Science behind them, physics, algebra, human anatomy and physiology, computer science and research. Programs are accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
In addition to a degree, in most states Radiation Therapists need to be licensed to practice. ARRT certification is accepted as licensure in some states. Other states have their own licensing examination process involving a written and clinical examination.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Radiation Therapists earn salaries between $55,000 and $95,000. The job prospects for Radiation Therapists are excellent. This is due to advances in Radiation Technology, making it suitable for treating more types of cancer. Also there is an expected increase in the number of individuals requiring Radiation Therapy.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: