Radiation Therapists
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.
10 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Radiation Therapists: $101,990 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment. | General |
| Administer cancer treatments. | General |
| Position patients for treatment or examination. | General |
| Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment. | General |
| Enter patient or treatment data into computers. | General |
| Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment. | General |
| Verify accuracy of patient information. | General |
| Administer basic health care or medical treatments. | General |
| Provide basic health care services. | General |
| Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation. | General |
| Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care. | General |
| Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members. | General |
| Calculate numerical data for medical activities. | General |
| Fabricate medical devices. | General |
| Process x-rays or other medical images. | General |
| Operate diagnostic imaging equipment. | General |
| Train medical providers. | General |
| Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments. | General |
| Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning. | General |
| Prepare medications or medical solutions. | General |
| Sterilize medical equipment or instruments. | General |
| Schedule patient procedures or appointments. | General |
| Maintain medical facility records. | Maintenance |
| Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities. | Maintenance |
| Examine patients to assess general physical condition. | Analysis |
| Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support. | Development |
| Develop medical treatment plans. | Development |
| Supervise patient care personnel. | Management |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Epic Systems | Medical software |
| Eclipse IDE | Development environment software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| eClinicalWorks EHR software | Medical software |
| Beam analysis software | Medical software |
| Dose unit calculation software | Medical software |
| Electronic medical record EMR software | Medical software |
| Image processing software | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Lifeline Software RadCalc | Medical software |
| Nucletron planning systems | Medical software |
| Patient management software | Medical software |
| Procedure scheduling software | Medical software |
| Radiation dose calculation software | Medical software |
| Radiation therapy equipment software | Medical software |
| Sun Nuclear MapCHECK | Medical software |
| Treatment planning software | Medical software |
| Virtual simulation software | Medical software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medical Dosimetrist | Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board | Not Available |
| Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - X-Ray | American Society for Nondestructive Testing | Not Available |
| Industry Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel | American Society for Nondestructive Testing | Not Available |
| Nuclear Cardiology Technologist | Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board | Not Available |
| Registered Technologist - Radiation Therapy | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists | Not Available |
| Registered Technologist - Radiography | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists | Not Available |
| Registered Technologist - Sonography | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists | Not Available |
| Registered Technologist - Vascular-Interventional Radiography | American Registry of Radiologic Technologists | Not Available |