Radiation Therapy Job Description
Radiation therapy is used to treat many types of cancer. Radiation therapists are trained to administer medically prescribed radiation treatments.
Radiation therapists use machines known as linear accelerators in a process called external beam therapy. Through external beam therapy high-energy X-rays are projected at cancer cells, shrinking them and eliminating cancerous tumors.
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The Process
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Before radiation therapy can begin the entire oncology team must develop a specific treatment plan. Because each patient and type of cancer is different there is no one plan that will work for everyone.
The first step of this process is to use CT scans to pinpoint the locations of tumors in the patient's body. Once this has occurred a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer--an oncologist-- will develop a specific plan for treatment.
After a treatment plan has been identified the radiation therapist will carry out the radiation therapy by positioning the patient and adjusting the linear accelerator according to the plan. The radiation therapist records the details of the treatment so future treatments will be carried out to the same specifications.
During radiation treatments the radiation therapist monitors and communicates with the patient using a TV and intercom system. Most radiation treatments last 30 to 50 minutes.
Work Environment
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Radiation therapists work in clean, well-lighted environments, generally in a hospital or cancer treatment center.
They must be on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift or move patients who are unable to move themselves.
Radiation therapists generally work a 40-hour work week and usually are not required to work evenings or nights. However, some radiation therapists may be required to be on call every now and then.
Working with cancer patients can be emotionally draining but also rewarding.
Working with radiation can be dangerous so radiation therapists must follow strict safety protocols to ensure they are not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.
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Educational Requirements
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Most radiation therapists posses a bachelor's degree, an associate degree or a certificate in radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy courses include training in anatomy and physiology, algebra, calculus and radiography.
In addition to degree requirements many states also require radiation therapists to be licensed. In order to become licensed individuals must pass a series of examinations. These examinations cover topics such as radiation safety, clinical concepts and patient care.
Advancement Opportunities
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Experienced radiation therapists may move into managerial positions where they supervise other therapists as well as having administrative responsibilities.
Aside from management opportunities, well-qualified radiation therapists may also advance to teaching positions.
Job Outlook and Salary
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of radiation therapists as of May 2008 was almost $73,000. The bottom 10 percent of radiation therapists earned about $48,000 a year, while the top 10 percent earned more than $104,000 annually.
Employment of radiation therapists is expected to grow by 27% by 2018, according to the bureau, which is much faster than the average growth of most other occupations. As radiation therapy becomes safer and and more effective it will be prescribed more often, which will help spur the growth in radiation therapy.
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References
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