Skip navigation

Radiation Therapists

Also called: 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 helping people, teaching, and talking.
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:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Medical software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Sun Nuclear MapCHECK
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:

Find Training Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$82,790
$61,030
$128,550
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about radiation therapists.