Radiation Therapist
Field of Study — Radiologic Technology
Radiation therapists administer treatment by exposing specific areas of a patient’s body to ionizing radiation. They assist radiation oncologists (physicians who use radiation to treat cancer).
Radiation therapy technologists:
- assist oncologists in planning treatment procedures, including tumor localization and dosimetry (dose determination).
- help patients assume the correct position for treatment and monitor patients during the treatment.
- administer radiation therapy according to the prescription and instructions of the oncologist using a variety of therapeutic equipment.
- protect themselves and their patients from unwanted radiation.
- note and report unusual or adverse reactions to therapy.
- accurately record patients’ treatments.
Educational Requirements
Students intending to pursue a career as a radiation therapist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English.
High school graduation (or a GED) is required for entry into a two-year or four-year radiation therapy program. For one-year programs, graduation from an accredited radiography program is necessary.
Most radiation therapists work in hospitals. Some work in private offices, public health and government facilities or cancer treatment centers.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Virginia Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Professional Associations
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc.
15000 Central Ave., S.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917
1-800-444-2778
http://www.asrt.org - Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists
P.O. Box 547
Alexandria, VA 22313
1-800-929-8778
http://www.vsrt.org