A radiation therapist works with cancer patients, providing treatment aimed at curing the disease and extending the life of the patient. The radiation therapist is highly respected and makes an above average income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiation therapist jobs are expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016.
Duties
A radiation therapist is a professional member of the medical oncology team, where he will use his training to administer active radiation to cancer patients through a machine called a linear accelerator. The process emits radiation beams in an attempt to shrink life-threatening tumors. Using X-ray imaging equipment, the radiation therapist calculates the exact location of the targeted tumor. Once the treatment plan and dosage of radiation has been determined by a radiation oncologist, he will explain the treatment and answer any questions the patient may have before beginning the procedure.
During Treatments
Radiation treatments can last as long as 30 minutes, during which time the radiation therapist will carefully monitor her patient, checking vital signs and looking for any indications of ill effects the patient may be experiencing. Often, patients receiving radiation treatments are suffering from advanced stages of cancer and as such, can be emotionally distressed and despondent. It is essential for a radiation therapist to be sensitive to this and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude when working with these patients whose last hope of survival is often the treatments.
Requirements
Depending upon the employer, education requirements for a radiation therapist include at least a two year Associate's degree specifically in the area of radiation therapy. Some employers may require a Bachelor's degree in the field. In many states, a radiation therapist must be licensed in the state in which he works. This requires successfully passing an examination provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Some states may also require certification for actively employed radiation therapists. Certification is also obtained through the ARRT and must be renewed every year.
Average Earnings
Different geographic locations and industries play a part in overall earnings for the radiation therapist. According to a survey conducted by Payscale, those radiation therapists who have completed the equivalent of at least one year of clinical hours are earning an average hourly wage of between $20.52 and $29.08 or up to $60,486 annually. Experience for a radiation therapist pays off with those having been in the field at least 10 years reporting earnings of between $28,50 an hour, up to $40.32 an hour or $83,865 a year.
Other Income Factors
More than 70 percent of all radiation therapists are employed in hospitals which pay overall the highest wages in the industry, starting at $24.13 an hour and going up to $37.75 an hour. Those radiation therapists who are employed in other health care facilities, such as private companies, start out earning considerably less at only $14.74 an hour and topping out at $35.50 an hour. Radiation therapy is also a field where pay ranges differ greatly between genders with the average U.S. hourly wage for female radiation therapists at $20.92 an hour, compared to $31.85 an hour that their male counterparts are reporting.
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