Radiation therapists work with cancer patients.
A radiation therapist works with an oncology team in treating cancer with high-energy X-ray technology. The therapist relies on X-rays or computer tomography (CT) to locate the malignancy. You position the patient in an isolated room and administer the radiation, most likely using equipment involving linear accelerators. Each radiation session typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes. Requirements for radiation therapists include a college degree, professional certification and stamina.
Degree
An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement of a radiation therapist. In these two-year programs, you gain hands-on experience with radiation equipment in simulated patient exercises. You study radiology technology, medical imaging, anatomy and medical terminology. A bachelor’s degree program in radiography covers equipment maintenance, ethics, protection of patients, scientific theories behind radiation and advanced concepts in patient care. You receive more extensive practical experience with patient care and delivery of radiation therapies. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has accredited more than 100 programs in the United States. Many employers prefer a degree plus one year of professional experience, and most college students obtain that year of hands-on service during extensive training at a college or university.
Certification
Most states require radiation therapists to be licensed through state boards. In addition, some employers and states require certification through ARRT. The certification exam covers quality assurance, radiation protection, treatment planning and delivery, and patient care. You perform simulation exercises, dosage calculations, procedures with varying levels of radiation risks and application of radiation therapy. The ARRT certification must be renewed every year. This ongoing renewal of certification is warranted because of the potential risks of overexposure to radiation, according to the online article "ARRT: Is The Person Exposing You to Radiation Qualified?" ARRT estimates that 250,000 radiation therapists are evaluated, certified and registered every year and that tens of thousands of patients undergo radiation procedures every day, including cancer treatments, mammograms and other routine diagnostic imaging.
Skills
Physical and mental stamina are important qualities for radiation therapists. You must be able to stand on your feet for long periods and lift physically challenged patients. Therapists also need to be comfortable around patients with potentially life-threatening cancers. You must maintain a positive attitude and be emotionally supportive. Communications skills are equally critical because the radiation therapist has to interact with physicians, other medical personnel, patients and their families. Attention to detail is important. You keep thorough records of radiation dosages and the areas where the therapy is applied. And because ionizing radiation can cause serious harm, radiation therapists must watch closely for any adverse reactions in their patients.
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