- Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy treatment via a linear accelerator machine to cancer patients. Before they can administer the treatment, they have to run a simulation of the treatment with the patient where they use an X-ray or CT scan to locate the tumor. From this information, they then help position the patient with the linear accelerator machine to ensure that the concentration of the radiation is aligned with the tumor. During the treatment, therapists monitor the patients to evaluate them for any harmful side effects or emotional difficulties.
- Radiation therapists are responsible for developing the radiation treatment plan for each patient with the radiation oncologist and a dosimetrist (a technician who calculates the appropriate dose of radiation needed for a treatment). The therapist has the most interaction with a patient, so his input is greatly needed to let the oncologist and dosimetrist know and understand how the patient is tolerating the treatment.
- Patients will primarily interact with just the radiation therapist when receiving treatment. It is thus the therapist's responsibility to explain the treatment to patients and address any of the patients' questions or concerns. Since only therapists administer treatment and meet with patients, the therapists are also solely responsible for keeping meticulous records of the patients' treatments and conversations with patients.
- Therapists often work alone, so they have to be familiar enough with the linear accelerator to evaluate it for any problems and make adjustments if necessary. They are the only ones who operate the machinery, so they are the only ones who can ensure that it works properly.
