What Does it Take to Be 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.
What Do Radiation Therapists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient’s physician.
- Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
- Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
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Radiation Therapist Skills
These are the skills Radiation Therapists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Radiation Therapist Jobs
- Radiologic Therapist
- Lead Radiation Therapist
- Registered Radiation Therapist
- Radiation Therapist
- Dosimetrist
Job Demand for Radiation Therapists
There were about 19,100 jobs for Radiation Therapist in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Average 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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Radiation Therapists in different U.S. states.
| 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
How do I Become a Radiation Therapist?
Individuals working as a Radiation Therapist have obtained the following education levels:
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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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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