Radiation therapist
Are you caring and empathetic? Do you have strong communication skills? Are you physically fit? These are important attributes for a radiation therapist because their work involves a great deal of interaction with patients - patients who are ill and under stress. Radiation therapists need to be in good physical condition because they work on their feet for long periods and lift and move disabled patients. Check out the profile on radiation therapists to see if this may be the career path for you!
Radiation Therapists assist in the treatment of cancer by using machines called linear accelerators to administer carefully prescribed doses of x-ray or other forms of ionizing radiation under the supervision of a physician. However, before treatment can begin, a treatment plan needs to be developed. The radiation therapist, in conjunction with a radiation oncologist and a radiation physicist, develop this plan.
During the treatment process, the radiation therapist uses the guidelines developed in the planning process, to position the patient and adjust and operate the linear accelerator. The radiation therapist monitors the patient's physical condition, watching for any adverse reactions. Therapists must also provide emotional support to their patients who are under stress and emotionally fragile.
Additionally, radiation therapists keep detailed records of their patient's treatments. These records include information such as the dose of radiation for each treatment, the total amount of radiation used to date, the area treated, and the patient's reactions. These records are reviewed to ensure that the treatment plan is working, to monitor the amount of radiation exposure, and to minimize side effects.
First Steps:
The following high school electives are important to prepare you for required college classes: anatomy and physiology, computer applications, food and nutrition, and introduction to health care.
Earnings:
Below are hourly/annual wages for both entry level and experienced radiation therapists and the annual median hourly/annual wage.**
Entry Wage
|
Median Wage
|
Experienced Wage
|
Hourly
|
Annual
|
Hourly
|
Annual
|
Hourly
|
Annual
|
$24.87
|
$51,726
|
$34.27
|
$71,268
|
$41.64
|
$86,621
|
**Wage Data 2009, State of Illinois Department of Employment Security
Click here to find how salaries for radiation therapists compare to other health care occupations.
Work Environment:
Radiation therapists spend most of the time on their feet and do a considerable amount of lifting and must be able to lift patients on and off treatment tables. Radiation therapists generally work a 40 hour week, usually only during the day. However, some therapists may be required to be on call to accommodate emergencies. By following standard safety precautions, radiation therapists ensure that they are not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.
Job Outlook:
In Illinois, employment of radiation therapists is expected to increase much faster than average through 2016, partly due to the increasing number of elderly who are more likely to require treatment for cancer necessitating radiation therapy.
Education:
Radiation therapy programs are usually one to two years in duration. However, a radiation therapy component may be part of a Radiologic Sciences Bachelor of Science degree program. In Illinois, any educational program must be approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to qualify their graduates for individual accreditation by the State. Programs approved by JRCERT are listed below:
Educational/Professional Requirements:
In Illinois, radiation therapists are not licensed by the State, but must be accredited by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Division of Nuclear Safety. Applicants for accreditation must:
- Pass an exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Pay an application fee of $120.
Professional Organization: