Radiation Therapists

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist); Dosimetrist; Radiation Therapist (RT); Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT); Registered Radiation Therapist; Staff Radiation Therapist

Tasks

• 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.
• Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
• Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
• Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
• Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
• Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
• Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
• Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
• Photograph treated area of patient and process film.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Medicine and Dentistry
• English Language
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Computers and Electronics
• Education and Training
• Psychology
• Therapy and Counseling
• Biology
• Administrative

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Deductive Reasoning
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Speech Clarity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Recognition
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Control Precision
• Far Vision
• Fluency of Ideas
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination