Radiation therapists
have an essential role in the fight against cancer. Their skills are utilized in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors, and sometimes radiation therapy is used as treatment on its own. Most radiation therapists are employed by hospitals and clinics.
Function
Radiation therapists are defined as health care workers who treat cancer using beams of high-energy radiation, administering therapy prescribed by radiation oncologists.
Initial Process
A radiation therapist initially pinpoints the exact location of the tumor using an x-ray machine or computed tomography. She does this so that, when radiation therapy begins, it is focused only on those abnormal cells.
Teamwork
Working with the radiation oncologist and a technician who calculates radiation dosages, the therapist creates a treatment plan for each client.
Communication
The radiation therapist then explains this plan to the patient, and he answers any questions the patient may have. She also discusses possible side effects.
Progress Evaluation
An important job duty includes observing the patient's progress throughout the treatment regimen and reporting changes to the physician.
Tags: radiation therapist, Radiation therapists, radiation therapy
