Job Outlook for:
Radiation Therapists
SOC: 29-1124 OOH: U179
| Radiation Therapists Quick Stats |
|
| Total Jobs in 2016 | 19,100 |
| Expected Growth | 12% (Faster than average) |
| New Jobs To Be Added from 2016 to 2026 |
2,300 |
| Median Pay | $75,000 or more |
- Job Outlook for Radiation Therapists
- Pay for Radiation Therapists
- What do Radiation Therapists do all day
- The work environment
- How to become one
Employment Outlook for Radiation Therapists
Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
The incidence of cancer increases as people age, so an aging population may increase demand for radiation therapists. Continued advancements in the detection of cancer and the development of more sophisticated treatment techniques may also lead to greater demand for radiation therapy.
Job Prospects
Candidates can expect competition for most radiation therapist positions. Jobseekers with prior work experience in patient care positions and more education, such as related allied health certifications or a relevant bachelor’s degree, should have the best job opportunities.
Typical Pay for Radiation Therapists
The median annual wage for radiation therapists was $80,160 in May 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,710.
In May 2016, the median annual wages for radiation therapists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Outpatient care centers | $83,360 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 81,450 |
| Offices of physicians | 76,420 |
Most radiation therapists work full time. Radiation therapists keep a regular work schedule because radiation therapy procedures are usually planned in advance.
What Radiation Therapists Do All Day
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.
Duties
Radiation therapists typically do the following:
- Explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment
- Protect the patients and themselves from improper exposure to radiation
- Determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment
- Calibrate and operate the machine to treat the patient with radiation
- Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions to the treatment
- Keep detailed records of treatment
Radiation therapists operate machines, such as linear accelerators, to deliver concentrated radiation therapy to the region of a patient’s tumor. Radiation treatment can shrink or remove cancers and tumors.
Radiation therapists are part of the oncology teams that treat patients with cancer. They often work with the following specialists:
- Radiation oncologists are physicians who specialize in radiation therapy
- Oncology nurses specialize in caring for patients with cancer
- Medical physicists help in planning of radiation treatments, develop better and safer radiation therapies, and check that radiation output is accurate
Work Environment for Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists held about 19,100 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of radiation therapists were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 64% |
| Offices of physicians | 21 |
| Self-employed workers | 6 |
| Outpatient care centers | 5 |
Radiation therapists are on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn disabled patients. Because they work with radiation and radioactive material, radiation therapists must follow safety procedures to make sure that they are not exposed to a potentially harmful amount of radiation. These procedures usually require therapists to stand in a different room while the patient undergoes radiation procedures.
Injuries and illnesses
Since radiation therapists administer radiation treatments over many years they should take precautions to limit exposure and be aware of the risks involved.
Work Schedules
Most radiation therapists work full time. Radiation therapists keep a regular work schedule because radiation therapy procedures are usually planned in advance.
How To Become a Radiation Therapist
Most radiation therapists complete programs that lead to an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Radiation therapists must be licensed or certified in most states. Requirements vary by state, but often include passing a national certification exam.
Education
Employers usually prefer to hire applicants who have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. However, candidates may qualify for some positions by completing a certificate program.
Radiation therapy programs include courses in radiation therapy procedures and the scientific theories behind them. These programs often include experience in a clinical setting and courses in human anatomy and physiology, physics, algebra, computer science, and research methodology. In 2016, there were about 110 accredited educational programs recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Important Qualities
Detail oriented. Radiation therapists must follow exact instructions and input exact measurements to make sure the patient is exposed to the correct amount of radiation.
Interpersonal skills. Radiation therapists work closely with patients. It is important that therapists be comfortable interacting with people who may be going through physical and emotional stress.
Physical stamina. Radiation therapists must be able to be on their feet for long periods and be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.
Technical skills. Radiation therapists work with computers and large pieces of technological equipment, so they must be comfortable operating those devices.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
In most states, radiation therapists must be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state, but typically include graduation from an accredited radiation therapy program and ARRT certification.
To become ARRT certified, an applicant must complete an accredited radiation therapy program, adhere to ARRT ethical standards, and pass the certification exam. The exam covers radiation protection and quality assurance, clinical concepts in radiation oncology, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and patient care and education. A list of accredited programs is available from ARRT.
Many jobs also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) certification.
Advancement
With additional education and certification, therapists can become medical dosimetrists. Dosimetrists are responsible for calculating the correct dose of radiation that is used in the treatment of cancer patients.
"Radiation Therapists" SOC: 29-1124 OOH Code: U179