How To Get A Job As A Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists work with patients who are suffering from a potentially fatal disease. Good Radiation Therapists must be kind, patient, compassionate, have excellent communication skills, be well organized, and attentive to details. They must be mentally and physically fit, able to stand for long hours and help lift patients, when necessary. They must be sensitive to the fears of their patients and understand both their physical and also their psychological needs. Radiation Therapists must exhibit a supportive, encouraging, and positive attitude for cancer patients who are understandably under considerable stress.
Radiation Therapists work as part of a team of oncologists, radiologists, and other health care professionals. They work in clean bright surroundings in hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Radiation Therapists usually work a forty hour week, but may occasionally be required to work overtime.
Radiation Therapists follow a plan of treatment formulated by the oncology team. Once the exact location of the tumor has been pinpointed and the level of radiation to be applied has been decided on, treatment can begin.
The duties of a Radiation Therapist depend on their level of education, and experience. Duties may include, preparing the patient for treatment, explaining what the treatment involves, and answering the patient’s questions. Before each treatment session, Therapists must adjust equipment to administer the exact amount of radiation as specified in the patient’s treatment plan.
Radiation Therapist must always follow strict regulations to protect patients, themselves, and other staff, from unsafe doses of radiation.
The Radiation Therapist administers radiation from a separate room. During treatment, he/she keeps in continuous contact with the patient by means of both a monitor and intercom, always watching for any adverse reactions. The Radiation Therapist may also assess and document the patients physical and psychological reaction and progress, and update treatment reports.
Education
To be a Radiation Therapist, you need either a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree,from an accredited radiation therapy training program. Employers prefer those with either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Those who already have a bachelor’s degree in radiography may also practice once they complete the twelve month certificate program. Accredited training programs cover such subjects as algebra, physics, anatomy, physiology, research procedures, computer science, and basic calculus. For accredited training programs, go to:
States vary as to whether or not Radiation Therapist need to be licensed. Make sure you understand what is required by the state in which you wish to practice. This information is available from your state lisensing office.
To become certified, you must first graduate from an accredited training program. You must then sit for and pass and exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Certification must be renewed annually, and every two years candidates must take additional training.
Although Certification may not be required by all states, it is preferred by employers and is extremely beneficial, especially for those who wish to advance in their field. Those with adequate education and experience may advance to postitions in management, education, sales, and research.
There is a growing demand for qualified Radiation Therapists. The job pays well.
