As part of a medical radiation oncology team, radiation therapists administer radiation treatment to patients. Radiation therapy sometimes is used as the sole treatment for cancer, but usually is used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery.
Description
Working as part of a medical radiation oncology team, the radiation therapist’s responsibilities may include:
- Through simulation, pinpoint the location of a tumor
- Use a CT scan to help determine how best to direct the radiation
- Position the patient for simulation and later for treatment
- Help to develop a treatment plan
- Explain the treatment plan to the patient and answers any questions
- Administer the radiation treatment
- Monitor the patient’s condition and provide emotional support
- Keep detailed treatment records
- Check the linear accelerator for problems and make any adjustments
- Assist dosimetrists, who calculate the amount of radiation for each treatment
Licensing
Some states require that radiation therapists be licensed by a State accrediting board. Some States require that radiation therapists be licensed by a State accrediting board. Some States, as well as many employers, also require that radiation therapists be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In order to become ARRT-certified, an applicant needs to complete an accredited radiation therapy program, adhere to ARRT ethical standards, and pass the ARRT certification examination. Radiation therapy programs at MCPHS are certified by ARRT.
Personal qualifications
- Excellent judgment, dependability, conscientious performance
- Close attention to detail, scrupulous recordkeeping
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Psychologically capable of working with cancer patients
- Caring and empathic
- High ethical standards
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Mechanical ability and manual dexterity for operating complicated equipment
- Physical fitness because radiation therapists work on their feet for long periods and lift and move disabled patients
Employment opportunities
- Excellent, according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Applicants who are certified and who possess a bachelor’s or an associate degree or a certificate in radiation therapy should have the best prospects.
- Employment of radiation therapy technologists is expected to grow faster than average (increase by 27 percent of more) through the year 2014.
Salary
Median annual wages: approximately $59,055. (Source: ASRT Wage and Salary Survey, 2004)
Progression
Experienced radiation therapists have multiple opportunities for career growth, including:
- Radiation therapy programs management
- Teaching
- Technical sales
- Research
With additional training and certification, therapists also can become dosimetrists, who use complex mathematical formulas to calculate proper radiation doses.
Getting there: Your degree program at MCPHS
Two programs at MCPHS provide pathways to a career as a radiation therapy technologist:
- BS in Radiologic Sciences (Radiation Therapy) (Boston): a full-time, accelerated, 33-month program for in-coming freshmen
- Postbaccalaureate BS in Radiologic Sciences (Radiation Therapy) (Boston): a full-time, accelerated, 21-month program for students with an earned baccalaureate degree (or sufficient credits) and who have satisfactorily completed prerequisite courses