Radiation Therapists
Radiation Therapists are in big demand today, as cancer is being treated with radiation therapy. They are part of medical radiation oncology teams, and use machines known as ‘linear accelerators’ for administering radiation treatments. The most common of these procedures is called ‘Beam Therapy’. This is where high energy X-rays are targeted at cancer cells. The Radiation Therapists get involved before the treatment actually begins. They have to develop their plan of treatment. To do this, the team takes an X-ray imaging machine (CT scan) and locates the tumor. Then other specialists within the team determine what is the best way of administering treatment. Once all is in place, the therapist will explain their plan for treatment to the patient, answering any questions they might have. Throughout the treatment, a Radiation Therapist will be monitoring the physical condition of the patient, watching for any adverse reactions to their treatment. The emotional well-being of the patient is always a big factor, with many patients under lots of stress and very fragile emotionally.
The Work Place
Most Radiation Therapists will be working in hospitals or cancer treatment centers. It will be a place that is well lighted, very clean, and very well ventilated. They’re required to do some lifting because they deal with patients who are disabled. They spend lots of time standing on their feet. The workplace can be quite stressful, but some people are geared for challenges and enjoy that. They find it quite rewarding. They are working around radioactive materials, so they have to be very careful no to be exposed to high levels of radiation. There are set standards and procedures to help them with this. Most of them work 40 hour weeks. And while some emergencies do occur, the main bulk of their work is done during daylight hours. Some are on call, but it’s not the case for all.
Training, Qualifications, & Advancement
Most generally radiation therapy will require a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, or an associate’s degree. Some states also require licensing. But the main requirement is the certification. As a therapist gains experience, they can move up to applying for managerial positions. Today, even the best careers going can be qualified for by attending an online university. If you want to join the ranks of Radiation Therapists, you can get your online degree right from the comfort of home. If you need a bachelor’s degree in radiography, they can assist you with that. You can also pick up additional courses to help with advancing in your career. You can take courses covering scientific theories, therapy procedures, algebra, writing, anatomy, computer science, or research methodology. Anything that can help you to advance, you can find an online course for it. As of 2009 there were 102 radiation therapy programs accredited in the United States. You’ll also have to be licensed by an accredited state licensing board. This licensing and the requirements for radiation therapists will vary between states, with most of them requiring that you pass an ‘ARRT’, or ‘American Registry of Radiologic Technologist’ certification exam.
