Radiation Therapist

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

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.

Typical Preparation

Education: Associate's degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 2.4% (average)

Annual job openings: 900

Direct AI exposure: 2% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 32% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Medical Radiation Technologists. According to the wage tables, average income is $83K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$62K
per year
$73K
per year
$83K
per year
$98K
per year
$106K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • 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.

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.

Typical Schedule

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

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

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 in Canada requires completing an accredited bachelor's degree in radiation therapy, typically a 4-year program that includes extensive clinical training. Graduates must pass the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national certification exam and be registered with the appropriate provincial regulatory body to practise.

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:

  • Volunteer at healthcare facilities to gain exposure to the medical field.
  • Join science clubs or teams to deepen scientific knowledge.
  • Participate in community service to develop empathy and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

  • Complete an accredited radiation therapy program, typically at the bachelor's degree level.
  • Pass the national certification examination and register with the appropriate provincial regulatory body.
  • Seek clinical placements, internships, or job shadowing opportunities in radiation oncology departments to gain hands-on experience.

More resources

Similar careers

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.