The Profession

A radiation therapist is responsible for the daily treatment of the patient, working one on one sometimes from six to seven weeks. They work with highly sophisticated radiation producing equipment, which is aimed at the tumors without destroying surrounding normal tissues.

Therapists become a part of a team with other medical professionals, such as oncology physicians and nurses, therapists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists. Daily tasks also might include using x-ray equipment, CT scanners, constructing special immobilization devices, and using highly specialized treatment computers for planning and calculating doses.

The radiation therapist not only works with the medical community, but often forms special bonds with the patient and patient’s family, during a very trying time in their life.

In addition to meeting the college performance standards to perform the duties of a radiation therapist the student must possess the:

• Ability to visually differentiate subtle shades of gray and color
• Ability to work in a variety of room lighting conditions
• Ability to spatially visualize geometric patterns
• Ability to lift objects (30 pounds or more) above head and over the patient
• Ability to conceptually visualize human anatomy in three dimensions

Upon completion of the major, graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination in radiation therapy administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.