Life As 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.
A Day in the Life of a Radiation Therapist
- Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
- Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients’ reaction to treatment.
- Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient’s physician.
- Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
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Radiation Therapist Required Skills
Radiation Therapists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Registered Radiation Therapist
- Chief Radiation Therapist (Chief RT)
- Radiology Therapist
- Radiation Therapist
- Medical Dosimetrist
What Kind of Radiation Therapist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,100 jobs in the United States for Radiation Therapist. 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. There will be an estimated 1,200 positions for Radiation Therapist per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Radiation Therapist
The average yearly salary of a Radiation Therapist ranges between $56,360 and $124,320.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radiation Therapists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Image processing software
- Radiation dose calculation software
Becoming a Radiation Therapist
Learn what Radiation Therapist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Radiation Therapists Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
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