Radiation Therapist Education Requirements and Career Information
An associate degree or bachelor's degree is typically required to work as a radiation therapist who treats cancer patients using radiation therapies. Radiation therapists must also maintain safety, keep accurate patient records and work closely with patients to provide support and answer questions.
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Radiation Therapist Education Requirements
Employers generally prefer radiation therapists with an associate degree or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. A bachelor's or associate degree in radiography can also lead to a radiation therapist job if that person goes on to complete a radiation therapy certificate program in addition to their degree. Radiation therapy programs prepare graduates to maintain and operate radiological equipment, as well as treat and assess cancer patients.
Potential courses in these degree programs include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiation therapy physics, principles of oncology, radiologic patient care, dose calculations, radiation biology, radiation protection and dosimetry. Students also commonly receive hands-on experience working at an internship with a hospital radiation therapy department, where they are equipped with patient psychology, patient care, emergency procedures and oncology skills. Certification is gained through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, which covers treatment planning, radiation protection, dosimetry calculations and more.
Career Information
Working with radiologists and oncologists, radiation therapists treat cancer patients using linear accelerators to target cancer cells with high-energy x-rays. Radiation therapists must also work with patients to explain treatment plans and answer any questions, which can be an emotional task at times. They also maintain detailed records of treatments, including radiation dosages, treatment areas and patient reactions.
Radiation therapists are employed primarily in hospitals. Additional employment settings may include medical and diagnostic laboratories, doctor's offices and cancer treatment centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that between 2008 and 2018, employment for radiation therapists is expected to increase by 27%, which is well above average (www.bls.gov). Median annual earnings in 2008 were $72,910, according to the BLS.
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