What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Radiation therapy involves targeting cancer cells with a beam of intense energy. Radiation Therapists are responsible for administering this common cancer treatment. By performing the duties established in a job description for Radiation Therapist positions, they help ensure patients receive the correct treatment. As a result, they directly impact patient outcomes and contribute to patient satisfaction and overall treatment success rates.

Radiation Therapist skills and qualifications

A strong skill set can help a candidate succeed in your Radiation Therapist position. Consider adding the following qualifications to your Radiation Therapist job description:

• Understanding of oncology, biology, anatomy, physics and mathematics to interpret treatment orders and review medical histories

• Ability to operate and conduct routine maintenance on a linear accelerator

• Active listening and reading comprehension skills to follow written and verbal physicians’ instructions and field patient questions

• Familiarity with the proper use of radiation safety equipment, such as protective shielding

• Interpersonal skills to interact with patients and set them at ease

• Observational skills and attentiveness to detail to set equipment correctly and closely monitor the patient throughout the therapy session

• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to resolve technical issues and respond to unexpected patient reactions

• Computer skills to utilize email, word processing, spreadsheet and patient medical records management software

Radiation Therapist experience requirements

During training programs, radiation therapy students usually participate in a clinical placement that allows them to work with patients under close supervision. This experience helps prepare Radiation Therapists to administer treatments independently after graduation.

As a result, a Radiation Therapist may not need additional work experience to carry out their job duties. However, you may specify that a few years of experience is a preference or requirement in your radiation therapy job description. This experience could be helpful if your new hire is expected to care for patients with complex cases or a high volume of patients.

Radiation Therapist education and training requirements

Generally, completing a post-secondary training program in radiation therapy is the minimum education required for Radiation Therapists. Typically, these programs grant associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, but a small number award certificates.

Most states require Radiation Therapists to obtain a license prior to treating patients independently. Some require prospective licensees to meet educational and experience requirements and pass an exam developed by the state. Others mandate that Radiation Therapists obtain Radiation Therapist certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) prior to getting licensed. You may wish to add Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association to the qualification section.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this radiation therapy job description isn’t the right fit for your business needs, consider reviewing these closely related job titles:

• Dosimetrist

• Oncology Nurse

• Radiologic Technologist

• Radiologist

Radiation Therapist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Radiation Therapist and a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiation Therapists and Radiologic Technologists are allied health professionals with different responsibilities. Radiation Therapists administer radiation therapy for cancer treatment, while Radiologic Technologists perform imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.

What’s the difference between a Radiation Therapist and a Radiologist?

Radiation Therapists carry out radiation therapy. A Radiologist is a medical doctor who has expertise in radiology. They may advise Oncologists and other Physicians on the best approach for treating cancer with radiation therapy.

What’s the difference between a Radiation Therapist and a Medical Dosimetrist?

Radiation Therapists and Medical Dosimetrists focus on radiation therapy in different ways. Medical Dosimetrists review imaging tests and patients’ medical histories and devise radiation therapy plans. They recommend the dosage and number of sessions necessary for treatment, and their recommendations inform the final orders Radiation Therapists follow when administering radiation therapy.