The radiation therapist is responsible for administering radiation therapy treatments according to the prescription and instructions of the physician, a radiation oncologist. Radiation therapists administer ionizing radiation treatments with a variety of therapeutic equipment, including high energy linear accelerators, radioactive isotopes, and particle generators. They also observe the patient during the course of treatment and report any unusual or adverse reactions. Radiation therapists maintain safety for patients, clinical personnel, and themselves, and assist in planning treatment, including tumor localization and dosimetry.

Applicants must be registered in radiography (or registry eligible), be a registered nurse, or have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Graduates may apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist examination for certification in Radiation Therapy Technology. The academic record of each applicant will be evaluated individually. Applicants may be required to complete specified prerequisite courses in order to qualify for admission to radiation therapy programs.

• Less than 2 years
• 2 year Associates Degree
• 4 year Bachelors Degree
• 4+ year Bachelors Degree

Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2005, as the health care industries grow, and because of the vast clinical potential of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Current as well as new uses of imaging equipment are virtually certain to sharply increase demand. Technology will continue to evolve. New generations of diagnostic imaging equipment are expected to give even better information to physicians and be used more widely. Since ultrasound is non-invasive, it is also less risky and uncomfortable for the patient than exploratory surgery. Radiation therapy will continue to be used-alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy-to treat cancer. More treatment of cancer is anticipated due to the aging of the population, educational efforts aimed at early detection, and improved ability to detect malignancies through radiologic procedures such as mammography. Although physicians are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. Some promising new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for their use. But on the whole, it appears that radiologic procedures will be used more widely. Hospitals will remain a principal employer, however, employment is expected to grow most rapidly in diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2005 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. Some jobs will also come from the need to replace professionals who leave the field.

Radiation therapists operate sophisticated equipment. Workers in related occupations include nuclear medicine technologists, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, and clinical laboratory technologists.

$57,000

• Argosy University/Twin Cities
• Jewish Hospital College Nursing & Allied Health
• Mrmc Schools Of Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Scie
• University Of Missouri - Columbia
• University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Washburn University

• Aft Healthcare
• American Board Of Radiology
• American Society Of Radiologic Technologists