Career Overview
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Also Known As
- Dosimetrist
- Radiation Therapist (RT)
- Registered Radiation Therapist
- Staff Radiation Therapist
Alternate Job Titles
- Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist)
- Dosimetrist
- Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse (Radiation Oncology RN)
- Radiation Therapist (RT)
- Radiation Therapy Technician
- Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
- Radiologic Therapist
- Radiology Therapist
- Registered Radiation Therapist
- Staff Radiation Therapist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- 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.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Empathy
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Eclipse IDE
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Area radiation monitors
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Band saws
- Beam direction shells
- Body-fat calipers
- Brachytherapy units
- Cobalt radiation therapy machines
- Computed tomography CT radiation therapy planning simulators
- Computed tomography CT scanners
- Computerized block cutting equipment
- Daylight medical film processing equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Drill presses
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Physical Proximity
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $77,860 |
| Median | $101,990 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $141,550 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 18,700
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $67,260
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,660
Respiratory Therapists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $80,450
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $97,020
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $89,340
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.