Radiation Therapists

Career summary

#No alternate titles

Radiation therapists use machines called linear accelerators to direct x-rays at cancer cells in a patient. The x-rays cause the cancer cells to shrink or disappear.

Before beginning treatment, radiation therapists gather information about the patient. They also read the prescriptions for treatment written by doctors. They read patients' charts to learn about their disease. Therapists may discuss patients' cases with doctors. If x-rays have not already been taken, therapists order them or take them themselves.

Radiation therapists explain the treatments to patients and answer questions. They help patients onto tables and make sure they are arranged in the best position to receive their treatment.

During treatments, therapists follow safety procedures to ensure that the patient is not overexposed to radiation. They make sure the computers are set to give the correct dose of radiation. They observe patients through windows or closed circuit TV to make sure they are okay. If patients have unexpected reactions, they turn the equipment off quickly and administer aid. They report any unusual reactions to doctors.

After treatment, therapists update patients' charts to reflect their treatment record. They also pass information about patients to doctors and other health care workers.

Radiation therapists inspect their equipment to keep it in good working order and to ensure patient safety. Similar to nuclear medicine technologists, some radiation therapists make images using radioactive materials.

Radiation therapists may also teach students and other health care workers. They attend workshops and conferences in order to keep up to date on treatments and testing procedures.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Medical Sonographers
• MRI Technologists
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Radiologic Technologists
• Registered Nurses

Military careers

• Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to radiation therapists.

• Position patients on tables. May use devices to keep patients from moving.
• Take x-rays to determine where tumors are located.
• Enter data into computers. Set and adjust controls to control the amount of radiation used.
• Take measures to protect patients and self from exposure to radiation.
• Update patients' records to reflect treatments and their response.
• Review patients' charts. Check prescriptions and diagnoses.
• Work under the guidance of patient's doctor.
• Inspect machines to make sure they are safe and work properly.
• Observe and reassure patients during treatments.
• Watch for unusual reactions to treatments and report to doctors.
• Educate patients and families about radiation treatment.
• Calculate amount of radiation delivered at each session.
• Prepare radiation equipment and radioactive materials.
• Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
• Help doctors develop radiation treatment plans.
• Teach students and other health care workers.
• Act as connection between doctors and supportive care personnel.
• Provide assistance to other health care personnel during related procedures.
• Provide follow-up care.
• Attend conferences and workshops to update knowledge.

Common work activities

Radiation therapists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Control machines and processes
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Document and record information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Evaluate information against standards
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Process information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Teach others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Handle and move objects
• Analyze data or information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Perform administrative tasks
• Think creatively
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Coach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, radiation therapists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They are constantly working with patients and doctors.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Communicate with patients and coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Are often placed in conflict situations in which they must deal with patients or coworkers who be upset or discourteous.
• Are responsible for their work outcomes.

Physical work conditions

• Are exposed to diseases and infections daily from patients.
• Always work indoors.
• Work very near patients and doctors. They often work within inches of other people.
• Are often exposed to radiation and contaminants when treating patients. They can protect themselves by wearing uniforms and protective gear, such as lead aprons.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger the health of patients.
• Repeat the same physical activities, such as positioning patients before treatment.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors before some decisions, but can make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a daily basis. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Rarely consult with a supervisor before setting tasks for the day. This is because they do many of the same tasks with each patient.
• Must keep pace with the speed of the radiation equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work full time or part time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.

Physical demands

Radiation therapists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for radiation therapists to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for radiation therapists to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Radiation therapists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Radiation Therapy

Other programs of study to consider

• Health and Medical Physics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Nuclear Medical Technology

Training

To work as a radiation therapist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least an associate degree in radiation therapy.

Education after high school

Radiation therapists learn their skills through formal training. Some hospitals, community colleges, and universities offer programs in radiation therapy. You may earn an associate or bachelor's degree. In this type of program, you learn about the effects of radiation exposure on the body. You also study radiation safety procedures, imaging techniques, and computer operation.

Work experience

During a training program you get hands-on experience treating patients. You work under the supervision of an experienced therapist.

On-the-job training

Radiation therapists receive some training on the job. They learn the procedures used at the facility where they work. The length of training varies by employer and may last up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be radiological (x-ray) technicians. These military technicians also use ultrasound. Training lasts 12 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Food and Nutrition
• Foreign Language
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require radiation therapists to have at least an associate degree in radiation therapy. Many employers prefer to hire therapists who have a bachelor's degree. Employers also require therapists to be licensed in their state.

Some employers will hire radiation therapists who do not have any experience. Other employers prefer to hire radiation therapists who have one or two years of experience.

Employers look for therapists who can work well with a variety of people. They look for therapists who can respond to patients' physical, psychological, and emotional needs. Employers also look for therapists who have good communication skills. They must be able to talk to doctors about patients and write clear notes in patients' charts.

Costs to workers

Some workers join professional associations, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Radiation therapists must be certified by the Washington State Department of Health. Licensing requirements generally include:

• a good moral character;
• a bachelor's or associate degree in radiation therapy technology from an approved institution, or
• a bachelor's or associate degree in one of the physical, biological sciences, or allied health care professions, or certification as a diagnostic radiologic technologist or nuclear medicine technologist; a minimum of three clinical years supervised practice experience in therapeutic radiologic technology; and completion of related course work;
• answering personal data questions;
• passing a national examination;
• completion of seven-clock hours of AIDS education; and
• payment of application and renewal fees.

For more information on State requirements, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Radiological Technologist Program
Office of Customer Service 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

For information about the required national certification examination contact:  The American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) .

#fees fine 3.14.18 lh new ARRT 2018 handbook not released yet. I didn't see any reference to alternate exams in WACs so removed ref to NBTB exam for this occ. Checked licensing 3/19/19 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Radiation Therapists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The therapist's level of experience, training, and responsibility also affect wages.

Radiation therapists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About half of all radiation therapists work in hospitals.

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Outpatient care centers

National outlook

Demand will be strong for radiation therapists, however, it is a very small occupation and very few jobs will be created. Demand is increasing due to the increasing aging population. The chances of getting cancer or other diseases that require radiation treatment increases as people age.

There will be some competition for most jobs. Job prospects will be the best for those that have experience, certifications, or a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Other resources

Explore Health Careers: Medical Dosimetrist 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.704.5300

Nuclear Medicine Physicists 

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board 
3558 Habersham, Building I
Tucker, GA 30084
404.315.1739

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, Virginia 20190

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Radiation Therapists (29-1124.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Radiation-therapy Technologist (078.361-034) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Skilled