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Radiation Therapist

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Radiation Therapists Career Video

About This Career

Provides radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.

This career is part of the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Administers prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
  • Positions patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
  • Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  • Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  • Conducts most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  • Enters data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
  • Checks radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Observes and reassures patients during treatment and reports unusual reactions to physician or turns equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  • Educates, prepares, and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
  • Maintains records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and sanitation control
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist)
  • Dosimetrist
  • Medical Dosimetrist
  • Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
  • Registered Radiation Therapist
  • Staff Radiation Therapist

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support