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Healthcare

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Radiation Therapists
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Median pay

$101,990
Median annual pay for Radiation Therapists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

19,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Radiation Therapists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Radiation Therapists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Medicine and Dentistry
  4. 4Physics
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Empathy
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Documenting/Recording Information
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Physical Proximity
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Exposed to Disease or Infections
  5. 5E-Mail
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · hot technologyeClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyEclipse IDE · hot technologyEpic Systems · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyTreatment planning softwareSun Nuclear MapCHECKRadiation therapy equipment softwareRadiation dose calculation softwareProcedure scheduling softwarePatient management software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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