Radiology Therapist
Radiation Therapist R(RT)
Medical progress and technological advancement have made cancer a much less deadly diagnosis. Part of the medical team that helps this change occur, helping one patient at a time, are radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists.
Responsibilities of a Radiation TherapistRadiation therapists deliver prescribed doses of radiation to patients for therapeutic purposes. In fulfilling this primary responsibility, radiation therapists provide appropriate patient care; apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the administration of treatment protocols, tumor localization, and dosimetry; and maintain appropriate patient records. Radiation therapists are particularly concerned with the principles of radiation protection for patients, themselves, and others.
Radiation therapists apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, oncologic pathology, radiation biology, radiation oncology techniques, treatment planning procedures, and dosimetry in the performance of their duties. They must also communicate effectively with patients, health professionals, and the public.
The radiation therapist accepts responsibility for administering a radiation oncologist (physician)-prescribed course of radiation therapy, providing patient care during treatment, and maintaining treatment records. Radiation therapists also evaluate and assess treatment delivery components, evaluate and assess the daily physiologic and psychologic responsiveness of patients, and ensure quality care for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Additional duties may include tumor localization, dosimetry, patient follow-up, and patient education. Radiation therapists must display competence and compassion in meeting the special needs of the oncology patient.
How do I become a Radiation Therapist?Educational programs may be 1, 2, or 4 years, depending on program design, objectives, and the degree or certificate awarded. The curriculum of an accredited program includes an extensive component of technical and professional courses, including an emphasis on structured, competency-based clinical education. Interested individuals should contact a particular program for information on specific courses and prerequisites.
The University does not offer a program in radiation therapy, however an academic partnership is established between Weber State University and the Huntsman Cancer Hospital.
Educational PathwayPre-requisite for a radiography program – 1 year
Radiography program – 2 years
Radiation therapy program – 1 to 2 years.
OR
Radiation therapy program – 4 years.
Demand/SalaryLike other areas of radiologic technology, there is a shortage of qualified personnel in radiation therapy, making radiation therapy students in high demand. They usually have a job before they graduate. Although careers in radiation therapy can be intense and demanding, they are financial rewarding.
Demand for skilled therapists has increased salaries. In the 2007 ASRT salary survey, the mean salary for radiation therapy technologists was $69,138.
Radiation therapists are employed in health care facilities, including hospitals, cancer centers and private offices; they are also employed in settings where their responsibilities focus on education, management, research, and sales.
Comments from AuthorA career as a radiation therapy technologist is a rewarding one as you will directly work with patients that need and respect your help. It does take a person who can handle working with very ill patients to remain in the career and you will know if you are one of those.
