Radiation Therapist

Explore This Path

Help patients fight cancer by delivering precise radiation treatments.
Make a difference in healthcare with advanced technology and patient care.
Unique role combining medical expertise and cutting-edge equipment.

💰 Earn $131K-$177K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 3.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

800 Annually

Median Earnings

$156,310 in California

$98,300 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Radiation Therapist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years