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What is a Radiation Therapist?

Therapy Team

What is a Radiation Therapist?

Radiation therapists assist in locating tumors, participate in treatment planning and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation prescribed by a radiation oncologist. Radiation therapists are the primary liaison between patients and other members of the radiation oncology team. They provide a link to other health care providers, such as social workers and dietitians.

Radiation therapy often involves daily treatments extending over several weeks. This treatment method uses highly sophisticated equipment and requires a great deal of initial planning, as well as constant patient care and monitoring. Radiation therapists must maintain a high degree of accuracy and an awareness of safety issues. They remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of patients.

Radiation therapists must demonstrate an understanding of cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, equipment technology, radiation safety and the psychosocial aspects of cancer. The radiation therapist uses professional judgment and critical thinking when assisting with treatment planning, recognizing and resolving equipment problems and treatment discrepancies, anticipating patient needs and concerns and determining when treatment should be withheld until a physician can be consulted.

Education and Certification
Radiation therapists prepare for their role on the interdisciplinary team by satisfactorily completing an accredited educational program in radiation therapy. One-and two-year certificate, associate degree and four-year baccalaureate degree programs exist throughout the United States.

Accredited programs must meet specific curricular and educational standards. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the accrediting agency for radiation therapy programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Upon completion of a course of study in radiation therapy, individuals may apply to take the national certification examination. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the recognized certifying agency for radiation therapy. Those who successfully complete the certification examination in radiation therapy may use the credential R.T.(T) following their name; the R.T. signifies registered technologist and the (T) indicates radiation therapist.

To maintain ARRT certification, a level of expertise and awareness of changes and advances in practice, radiation therapists must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education every two years.