Radiation therapists work in hospitals and help treat cancer and other diseases through radiation treatment. Some of these experts work in physician’s offices and other outpatient centers. Do you want a career in radiation therapy? This guide will show you how to become a radiation therapist and the essential skills to learn.

Radiation therapists are a large part of the healthcare team of a patient. It is very important work and it involves saving lives on a daily basis. You will find everything you need to know about starting this career in this guide.

A radiation therapist is a medical professional that specializes in administering radiation treatment for cancer and other life-threatening conditions. This expert works on the orders of a radiation oncologist or medical physicist.

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As a radiation therapist, you determine what part of the patient’s body needs radiation treatment. You will also operate the radiation equipment and monitor patient responses during the procedure. Throughout the process, you will keep records so that the physician can assess the patient’s progress and develop therapeutic strategies.

Only community colleges and universities can offer training for this profession. You should attend a university to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy. This four-year program prepares you for the challenges you may face when you enter the workforce. Some universities even have internship programs where students can get work experience before graduating.

Another option to consider is a community college for an associate degree. Community colleges have two-year programs for aspiring radiation therapists.

There aren’t too many educational tracks for radiation therapists. Some other occupations have shorter alternatives, like coding bootcamps for tech professionals. This is not the case for this vocation. You can only qualify through a bachelor’s or associate degree.

Community colleges now have radiation therapy programs and they last from one to two years. The shorter programs last for a year. However, these programs only offer diplomas or certificates. The two-year programs offer you an associate degree.

The longer program allows students to have clinical education in hospitals for up to a year. It provides in-depth training for students. The focus is on hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge.

Some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or associate degree. Universities offer degree programs for radiation therapists. The students learn how to operate and maintain different radiological equipment.

You will also learn how to treat people with cancer. Before the program ends, you will get hands-on experience by working as an intern in a hospital radiology department.

You can also learn about patient psychology and care, emergency procedures, and oncology skills. If you want to increase your employability, you should consider a bachelor’s degree.

Becoming a radiation therapist can take just a few years for some, while others take a longer route. Internships and certifications may delay your entrance into the industry, but they give you a better resume than your peers.

Here are the steps to follow to become a radiation therapist.

Even though you have education training in radiology, you still need some skills to thrive in the industry. For one, you should be detail-oriented. The radiation is applied to the same spot every time. Miscalculations can affect the treatment.

Also, you must be conscientious of the patient’s safety and your own. Radiation is dangerous if protocols are not followed.

Below are some other important skills to cultivate before joining this particular profession.

Radiation therapists earned a median salary of $86,850 in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some of these experts earned up to $128,630, while others on the lower spectrum earned around $59,280.

The employment of radiation therapists is also expected to rise seven percent by 2029, according to BLS, which attributes its projection to an aging population, and advancement in radiation therapies.

Most entry-level jobs require candidates to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field. Aside from this training, candidates are also expected to have a license or be certified to practice in many states. The requirements are different in most states but often require a national certification exam.

Radiation therapists are responsible for using radiation treatments for diseases like cancer while working with other medical professionals. You are trained to use radiation tools and handle most of the treatment with instructions from an oncologist. You will monitor the process and record every event to help the doctors determine the best treatment method.

Below are some of the main roles of a radiation therapist.

To become a radiation therapist, you need to be certified. Only one certification is enough to practice in your field. It is from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). It qualifies you to apply for jobs because many employers will not consider you if you do not have this certification.

This certification determines if you are competent in clinical procedures and coursework as outlined by the professional body. Also, it requires candidates to pass an exam that focuses on topics like radiation protection, clinical concepts, and quality assurance.

It will also cover topics like patient care and education, plus treatment delivery and planning. If you want to venture into other fields under radiology, you can consider getting certification in sonography, mammography, or densitometry from the same body.

Despite having all the qualifications and certification, employers will still require an interview to check if you are fit for the job. You should be able to ace your interview if you go prepared. In most cases, knowledge of basic concepts in the field may be helpful as well as general confidence.

Below are some possible interview questions to expect.

The time it takes to become a professional depends on the educational path you choose. However, you may need to spend more than four years to start working. Even after finishing a two-year degree, you may still be expected to get working experience and pass certification exams.

Some universities and community colleges offer clinical training in hospitals for real-world experience. This may be beneficial as work experience.

If you are passionate about helping others at their lowest point, you should consider a career in radiology. The job has a positive outlook with a rewarding salary. Also, this growth is expected to continue into the future as the aging population rises.

You should become a radiation therapist in 2021 if you have strong interpersonal skills and you are a critical thinker. It is an important role in society today and will be for the foreseeable future.