Radiation therapists work in oncology and deliver radiation treatments to patients.
Radiation therapists work in an oncology team in hospitals or cancer treatment centers. They run computer tomography scans to observe the presence or location of a tumor in a cancer patient. They also operate linear accelerators to deliver a certain amount of radiation to the patient's tumor with high-energy X rays, gamma rays, or electrons. Radiation therapists typically work forty hours a week. They interact directly with the patients and must act caring and empathetic. The job requires both psychological and physical strengths to interface with ill patients and to lift the disabled ones on and off treatment tables.
Hiring Requirements
Hospitals will typically ask for an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy or in radiography, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For applicants with a radiography degree, they need to complete a twelve-month certificate program in radiation therapy. In addition, 33 of the U.S. states and employers request a license from a state accredited board. Typically, this requires that therapists pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, which needs to be renewed each year.
Education
Radiation therapy courses for an associate of bachelor's degree include the fundamentals of radiation therapy procedures, human anatomy and physiology. Mathematical classes and computer science broadens the coursework. Public speaking courses develop communication skills necessary in the interactions with patients. As of 2009, the United States offer 112 ARRT accredited radiation therapy programs.
Admission Requirements
The radiation therapy schools welcome students who graduate from high school with typically a minimum GPA of 2.0. At the Sloan-Kettering Memorial Center, students must have taken college-level algebra or pre-calculus as well as college-level anatomy and physiology. Gwynedd-Mercy College requires in addition, biology, physics or chemistry and highly recommends trigonometry.
Certification
ARRT certification involves finishing the classes of an accredited radiation therapy school, commitment to follow the code of ethics from ARRT, and passing an examination. ARRT explains that typical questions asked at the exam test knowledge in radiation protection, all aspects of oncology treatments, and quality assurance. To renew the certification each year, therapists must repeat their commitment to the code of ethics, take a 24-course credit refresher every two years, and pay the annual certification fee.
Earnings
BLS reports that the 2008 salaries for radiation therapists had a median of $72,910 with some of the highest compensations above $104,000. The number of opportunities for this profession grows fast. With 15,200 radiation therapists in 2008, BLS expects a 27 percent growth by 2018. Management of programs in radiation centers represents a natural path of advancement. Other options include branching out into teaching, research, or sales of technical equipment.
Tags: radiation therapy, with patients, accredited radiation, accredited radiation therapy, anatomy physiology, ARRT certification
