What does a radiation therapist do? Is this the career for you? Read more to find out.
Education and Training
Before they will hire a radiation therapist, employers usually require either a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Some candidates who already possess a two-year or four-year degree in an allied health profession may qualify by completing a 12-month certificate program in radiation therapy.
In 2007 there were 123 radiation therapy programs accredited by the American Association of Radiologic Technologists (AART), with 32 states requiring licensing by a state accredited board. AART certification must be renewed yearly.
Radiation therapists should have good communication skills, because their work involves a great deal of patient interaction. They should be empathetic, compassionate, and able to deal with the stress of working with patients who have cancer.
Nature of the Work
Radiation therapy is mainly used for cancer treatment. Radiation therapists administer treatments using a machine called the linear accelerator. This machine produces a high-energy beam of x-rays targeted specifically at cancer cells.
Therapists determine a treatment plan, in conjunction with the oncologist. They explain the treatment and answer any questions the patient may have. During treatment, the therapist operates the linear accelerator and monitors the patient’s condition throughout the process, which can last from 10 to 30 minutes.
Because the treatment is usually administered five days a week, for two to nine weeks, the therapist will likely become familiar with the patient on a personal level. The therapist should also monitor the patient’s emotional well-being, as this will be a difficult and stressful time for the patient
Therapists will keep accurate and detailed records of their patient’s treatments, including the dose of radiation used each day, the total dose of the treatment thus far, the area of the treatment, and the patient’s reaction.
Work Environment
Radiation therapists generally work in hospitals or cancer treatment centers. They must have the ability to lift patients on and off treatment tables, if they need assistance. They spend a lot of time on their feet.
Radiation therapists typically work a 40-hour week; however, since radiation treatments are usually scheduled and non-emergency in nature, they seldom work nights and weekends. For the occasional radiation emergency, though, they may be required to take call.
Most therapists find their work to be stressful but rewarding. Care must be taken to avoid exposure to dangerous levels of radiation.
Earnings and Employment Outlook
The average income of a radiation therapist in 2006 was $66,000.00. Also in 2006, there were about 15,000 jobs for radiation therapists in the US, with over 70% of those being in hospitals. Employment is expected to increase by 25% through 2016 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008-09).
As the US population grows older, the number of people needing treatment is expected to increase.
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References
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook , 2008-09 Edition, Radiation Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos299.htm.