Radiation Therapist

Duties and responsibilities : 

Explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment

Follow safety procedures to protect the patient and themselves from overexposure to radiation

Examine machines to make sure they are safe and working properly

X ray the patient to determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment

Check computer programs to make sure the machine will give the correct dose of radiation to the appropriate area of the patient's body.   

Salary: $49,606 - $90,842

Demand for this profession:

Education and Training

Radiation therapist programs can range from 1-to-2 years. One-year programs result in a certificate or diploma, while students in 2-year programs will earn associate's degrees.

One-year programs emphasize supervised clinical education in training facilities like hospitals. The associate's degree provides in-depth training that focuses both on theoretical knowledge (in the classroom) and hands-on experiences.

Licensing and Certification

There are no certification requirements, but employers often prefer Certified Radiation Therapists, who have passed national examinations that verify their professional skills and knowledge.

The most widely recognized certifying body is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certified radiation therapists must meet education and clinical competency standards set by the ARRT.

Radiation therapists can take the national exam after completing an accredited training program, or after working full-time for two years. Radiation therapists who pass this exam become Certified Radiation Therapists and can renew their certification annually.