Life As a Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapist Definition 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.
A Day in the Life of a Radiation Therapist
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
- Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
- Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Radiation Therapist?
Below is a list of the skills most Radiation Therapists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Radiology Therapist
- Senior Radiation Therapist
- Staff Radiation Therapist
- Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist)
- Registered Radiation Therapist
Is There Job Demand for Radiation Therapists?
In the United States, there were 19,100 jobs for Radiation Therapist in 2016. 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
Radiation Therapists make between $56,360 and $124,320 a year.
Radiation Therapists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiation Therapists make in each U.S. state?
| 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 do I Become a Radiation Therapist?
Learn what Radiation Therapist education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Radiation Therapist?
Where Radiation Therapists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
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