Radiation Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$102K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

2.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Radiation Therapist?

A Radiation Therapist is a healthcare professional who administers radiation treatments primarily for patients with cancer. They work closely with oncologists to plan and deliver targeted radiation therapy while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Sample job titles:

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

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Radiation Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Radiation Therapist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$78K per year	$86K per year	$102K per year	$120K per year	$142K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Work environment

Radiation Therapists typically work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, or medical facilities with specialized radiation therapy equipment. Their work environment requires adherence to safety protocols due to the nature of the treatments administered.

Quick task list

Prepares and positions patients for radiation treatment.
Operates radiation therapy equipment.
Monitors patients for reactions and side effects.
Collaborates with oncologists and medical physicists to plan treatments.
Maintains detailed patient records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Radiation Therapy: Specializing in treating children with cancer.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Delivering precise, high-dose treatments, often to brain tumors.
Brachytherapy: Administering internal radiation therapy.
Technical Research: Developing and testing new radiation therapy technologies.
Education and Training: Focusing on teaching and training future radiation therapists.

Description

Radiation Therapists play a crucial role in cancer treatment. They must have a strong understanding of anatomy, radiation physics, and oncology to effectively administer treatments. Precision is key, as they operate complex machinery to target cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. They work closely with a medical team, including oncologists and physicists, to devise and execute treatment plans.

Excellent interpersonal skills are essential for Radiation Therapists, as they often support patients through challenging treatments. They need to be compassionate and sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of their patients, providing reassurance and clear communication about the treatment process.

The role demands attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols to protect patients and themselves from radiation exposure. It also requires staying updated with the latest advancements in radiation therapy techniques and technologies, ensuring the best possible care for patients.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to patient care and cancer treatment.
Working with cutting-edge medical technology.
Being part of a multidisciplinary team focused on saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

You might make a good Radiation Therapist if you are...

Detail-oriented, ensuring precision and safety in treatment delivery.
Compassionate and empathetic, able to support patients through challenging times.
Interested in medical technology and its application in patient care.
A strong communicator, capable of explaining complex procedures in simple terms.
Able to work collaboratively in a healthcare team.

Pros:

High level of job satisfaction from helping cancer patients.
Growing demand in the healthcare sector.
Opportunities to work with advanced medical technology.

Cons:

Emotional challenges in working with seriously ill patients.
Need for constant vigilance regarding safety and precision.
Physically demanding, with long periods of standing and positioning equipment.

How to become a Radiation Therapist

Typical education

Becoming a Radiation Therapist generally requires completing a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. Some states also require certification and licensing.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand human physiology and medical principles.
Physics to grasp the fundamentals of radiation and its applications.
Mathematics for precision in calculations and measurements.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities to gain exposure to the medical field.
Joining science clubs or teams to deepen scientific knowledge.
Participating in community service to develop empathy and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy.
Obtain certification and licensing as required by your state.
Consider internships or shadowing opportunities in radiation therapy departments.

More resources

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) - Offers educational resources and certification information for radiation therapists.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) - Provides certification and registration for radiation therapy professionals.
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) - Offers educational and research resources in the field of radiology.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Provides comprehensive information on cancer treatment and research.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.