What Does it Take to Be a Radiation Therapist?
Occupation Description Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Life As a Radiation Therapist: What Do They Do?
- Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
- Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients’ reaction to treatment.
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
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Qualities of a Radiation Therapist
When polled, Radiation Therapists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Types of Radiation Therapist
- Dosimetrist
- Staff Radiation Therapist
- Lead Radiation Therapist
- Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
- Radiologic Therapist
Is There Job Demand for Radiation Therapists?
There were about 19,100 jobs for Radiation Therapist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,400 new jobs for Radiation Therapist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Radiation Therapist are Utah, Colorado, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Radiation Therapist Salary
The salary for Radiation Therapists ranges between about $56,360 and $124,320 a year.
Radiation Therapists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Radiation Therapists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $86,020 |
| Arizona | $84,990 |
| Arkansas | $70,940 |
| California | $114,280 |
| Colorado | $92,670 |
| Connecticut | $105,570 |
| Delaware | $96,610 |
| District of Columbia | $78,610 |
| Florida | $86,420 |
| Georgia | $86,510 |
| Idaho | $86,830 |
| Illinois | $86,200 |
| Indiana | $82,920 |
| Iowa | $78,260 |
| Kansas | $66,310 |
| Kentucky | $83,950 |
| Louisiana | $69,340 |
| Maine | $87,000 |
| Maryland | $89,120 |
| Massachusetts | $93,540 |
| Michigan | $79,720 |
| Minnesota | $83,270 |
| Mississippi | $83,130 |
| Missouri | $75,340 |
| Montana | $81,580 |
| Nebraska | $83,260 |
| Nevada | $87,940 |
| New Hampshire | $92,770 |
| New Jersey | $107,850 |
| New Mexico | $89,230 |
| New York | $99,710 |
| North Carolina | $76,000 |
| Ohio | $81,420 |
| Oklahoma | $75,080 |
| Oregon | $105,970 |
| Pennsylvania | $82,660 |
| Rhode Island | $94,110 |
| South Carolina | $88,850 |
| South Dakota | $83,790 |
| Tennessee | $73,490 |
| Texas | $84,460 |
| Utah | $85,760 |
| Vermont | $91,440 |
| Virginia | $81,550 |
| Washington | $101,830 |
| West Virginia | $61,230 |
| Wisconsin | $75,850 |
What Tools do Radiation Therapists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radiation Therapists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Image processing software
- Radiation dose calculation software
How to Become a Radiation Therapist
What education is needed to be a Radiation Therapist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Radiation Therapists Work
Radiation Therapists work in the following industries:
References:
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