Radiation Therapists

patient social interests treatment radiation equipment physician care personnel information computer

Dosimetrist, Radiation Therapist (RT), Registered Radiation Therapist, Staff Radiation Therapist

What they do:
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
On the job, you would:
  • Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
  • Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
  • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.

Knowledge

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Health

  • medicine and dentistry
  • therapy and counseling

Math and Science

  • physics

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Abilities

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Medical software

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software Hot Technology
  • Epic Systems Hot Technology In Demand

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Image processing software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about radiation therapists.