Radiation Therapist Career

Radiation Therapist Job Description

The job description of a radiation therapist says that he is a health care professional who provides radiation therapy to cancer patients, as predetermined and specified by the radiologist; and in agreement with the set practices and standards.

The duties of a radiation therapist are: appraisal of the prescription; being a strong a link between the physician and the supportive care staff and keeping records, reports and files. The therapist also helps in tumor localizations and dosimetry procedures.

The radiation therapist needs to maintain complete data and records of all the treatments provided, for all cancer patients. Maintaining the patient’s response to the therapy is equally important. The records are evaluated and assessed by the oncology team so that they can establish the patient’s progress, regulate the amount of radiation-exposure, and make a note of side effects. This is exceedingly essential to provide optimum care for the patient.

Radiation Therapist Education, Certification and Training

• To become a radiation therapist, you need to have an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy, or a degree in Radiography with certification in Radiation Therapy.
• The duration of schooling varies from one to two years. 1 year training programs offer a diploma, whilst 2 year training programs offer an associate's degree.
• A one year coursework lays stress on directed clinical training at clinics and hospitals. The Associate's Degree provides an all-inclusive training that focuses on class room education and hands-on experience and practice.
• Employers almost always give preferentiality to certified therapists, who have passed national examinations that authenticate their education.
• Qualified therapists must meet the rules and principles that are laid down by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. You need to appear for the examination after finishing the training course, or 2 years after a hands-on experience. After clearing the examination, a radiation therapist becomes certified, and must renew the certification every year.

Radiation Therapist Jobs

Radiation therapist’s jobs are on the upswing. Employment opportunities for radiation therapists look great. With advances in the healthcare infrastructure and an understanding about cancer, employment for radiation therapists is growing tremendously.

Radiation Therapist Salary

A radiation therapist’s salary is approximately $66,000 per year. By and large, the earnings of a radiation therapist depend on his education and qualifications, experience, location and employer.