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Radiation Therapist Career
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Radiation Therapist Job Description
A radiation therapist provides radiation therapy to patients, as stipulated by the radiologist, in accordance with the set up standards and practices. Duties include: evaluation of the prescription and diagnosis; a connection between the doctor and supportive-care staff preparing equipment, like, treatment, immobilization and protection devices; and maintaining reports, records and files. He may also help in dosimetry procedures and tumor localizations.
He typically works in an oncology department. Radiation therapy is very effective in completely eliminating or reducing the size of the tumor.
Radiation Therapist Skills/Duties
Radiation therapists control a device known as the linear accelerator, which is used for the radiation treatments. The treatment procedure is called the External Beam Therapy, and comprises of using X-rays at the exact tumor cells. The beam strikes the tumor cells and produces ions that have an unfavorable effect on them. The cancer cells are either completely destroyed or get shrunken.
For certain cancers radiation therapy is the only treatment required. Malignant cancers need a combination of radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapists work at 3 places: a hospital, an out-patient clinic or a physician's office. Since, radiation therapists are involved in direct patient work; they should be able to deal with heavy lifting and conveying the patient to beds and gurneys.
The radiation therapist should have good inter-personal and communication skills, an empathic attitude, should be patient, physically fit, and keep up a positive attitude.
Radiation therapists must maintain complete records of all the radiation treatments provided, for all the patients. He must also maintain the patient’s response to the treatment. These records are appraised by the oncology team to determine the patient’s progress, to keep an eye on the quantity of radiation exposure, and to note down any side effects. All this is extremely vital to provide optimal care for each cancer patient.
Radiation Therapist Education and Training
• It is preferred that radiation therapists have a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree in radiation therapy, or a degree in radiography with a certification in radiation therapy.
• The education could vary from 1 - 2 years. You can obtain a diploma / certificate through 1 year programs, while 2 year courses give students an associate's degree. 1 year courses lay emphasis on supervised clinical training at hospitals and clinics. The associate's degree generates comprehensive education that concentrates on classroom training and ‘hands on’ training and experience.
• Employers often favor Certified Radiation Therapists, who have appeared for national exams that validate their knowledge and education. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the most widely accredited body. Qualified therapists have to meet the proficiency principles that are established by the ARRT. You appear for the exam after completing the training program, or after 2 years of work experience. Having passed this exam, a radiation therapist becomes certified, and can annually renew the certification.
Radiation Therapist Job Outlook
The job opportunity for radiation therapists is very good. With advances in the health care infrastructure and growing awareness about cancer, employment for radiation therapists is on an up-swing.
Radiation therapist Salary
The mean salary of a radiation therapist is about $66,000. The high-end salary of a therapist is approximately $90,000, while the low-end salary is $40,000.
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