Radiation Therapist

• Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
  


• Position patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription.
  


• Enter data into computer and set controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage.
  


• Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  


• Maintain records, reports and files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients' reactions.
  


• Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  


• Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  


• Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
  


• Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  


• Check for side effects such as skin irritation and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
  


• Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
  


• Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
  


• Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.
  


• Photograph treated area of patient.
  


• Help physicians, radiation oncologists and clinical physicists to prepare physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
  


• Train and supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
  


• Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
  


• Provide assistance to other health-care personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
  


• Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
  

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited program
  


• ARRT Board Certification in Radiation Therapy, R.T.(T), or registry eligible within 3 months
  


• State licensure (if applicable)
  

Benefits