Radiologist therapist training requires knowledge of X-ray techniques.
Radiology therapy, also known as radiotherapy or radiation therapy, involves the use of ionizing radiation or radioactive substances to treat diseases. Participants in a radiology therapist training seminar familiarize themselves with the responsibilities of radiation therapy technologists and computed tomography simulation therapists. Trainees also learn about dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Academic Requirements
Training providers and medical institutions require that a radiology therapist possesses a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers often consider applicants with an associate's degree or a two-year certificate in radiography, which is the study of radiological imaging. Programs that have an accreditation from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists carry an academic prestige in the occupation.
Areas of Focus
During training, radiology therapists learn position patients for treatment, administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts and check radiation therapy equipment, testers and diagnosis charts. Training also teaches calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session, according to O*NET OnLine, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational research branch. Other topics covered during training workshops include patient radiation protection methodologies and safety measures that clinical personnel follow when performing tasks.
Tools
Radiology therapist trainees learn use tools and equipment, such as position verification lasers and medical linear accelerator intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) collimators, according to O*NET OnLine. Cardinal tools in radiology therapy, IMRT systems include linear accelerator compensation filters, multi-leaf radiation therapy collimators and radiation therapy beam directing wedges. In addition, participants polish their medical dexterity with medical radiation dosimeters, radiation shielding lead aprons, patient positioning straps and area radiation monitors. Technology is also an integral part of training. As such, radiology therapists train to use beam analysis software, virtual simulation programs and graphics or photo imaging software.
Skill Set
To perform the required tasks adeptly, radiology therapists generally display important skills. In fact, training helps develop skills and acumen, such as active listening, reading comprehension, social perceptiveness and complex problem-solving ability. Trainees also hone their communication skills, time-management aptitude and analytical skills as well as their capacity to combine medical equipment with computer programs.
Considerations
Radiology therapists constitute a booming occupation, and training helps professionals improve productivity in the long term. Continuing education also enables therapists to increase their earning power. As of May 2008, median annual wages of radiation therapists were $72,910, with the middle 50 percent of the occupation earning from $59,050 to $87,910. Average annual compensation increased 11 percent in the following two years, reaching $81,000 as of 2010, according to online career resource Indeed.
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