All About Radiation Therapists
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.
Daily Life Of a Radiation Therapist
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
- Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
- Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Radiation Therapist?
When polled, Radiation Therapists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Radiation Therapist
- Radiologic Therapist
- Dosimetrist
- Radiology Therapist
- Lead Radiation Therapist
Job Opportunities for Radiation Therapists
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,200 job openings in this field each 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.
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.
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 & Technology do Radiation Therapists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radiation Therapists:
- 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
What kind of Radiation Therapist requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Radiation Therapist?
Who Employs Radiation Therapists?
Below are examples of industries where Radiation Therapists work:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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