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Radiation Therapists

THE JOB


RADIATION THERAPISTS, also called Radiation Therapy Technologists,
administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. They operate a variety
of sophisticated machines, such as linear accelerators and cobalt units,
which generate X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, and other types of
radiation.  Radiation therapy is based on the premise that cancer cells are
typically more sensitive than normal cells to radiation's destructive
effects.  By focusing powerful beams of radiation precisely on the abnormal
cells, the tumor can be partly or completely destroyed without permanently
damaging the surrounding normal tissues.


Before therapy begins, the physician (radiation oncologist) prepares a
detailed, long-term treatment plan, customized to the individual patient's
condition and anatomy.  Radiation Therapists, working closely with the physician
and others on the therapy team, help to develop this plan.
Preliminary steps in treatment planning include internal imaging to pinpoint
the exact location of the cancer, measuring the patient's body contours, and
using this information to develop cross-sectional diagrams of the affected
area.  Then, computers are used to find the best combination of beam angle,
size, and distance, that will achieve the desired result with fewest
undesirable side-effects. Although most Radiation Therapists are involved in
at least some phases of treatment planning, a small number, known as
Dosimetrists, specialize in this aspect of the work, which often involves
complex mathematical calculations and multiple correlation's.


The length and frequency of radiation treatments varies among cancer
patients.  Radiation Therapists handle most treatment sessions on their own,
under the general direction of the patient's physician and in accordance
with the long-term treatment plan.  When conducting daily therapy sessions,
therapists first review treatment procedures with the patient, answering
questions and providing needed reassurance and physical help.  After setting
up the radiation-producing equipment and positioning the patient as
specified in the treatment plan, the technologist adjusts the controls and,
in compliance with established worker safety requirements, operates the
equipment from an adjoining room.  During treatment, therapists constantly
monitor the patient's condition through windows or closed-circuit TV
monitors.  Should any unexpected or adverse reactions occur, they must be
prepared to turn the equipment off and provide immediate assistance.  Then,
exercising independent judgment, they must decide whether to call medical or
nursing personnel.


As part of their job, Radiation Therapists maintain detailed records of all
therapy sessions, noting on the patient's chart such information as the area
treated, the radiation dosage, equipment control settings, the patient's
reactions, and the total amount of radiation received to date.  These charts
are frequently reviewed by clinical (radiation) physicists, Dosimetrists,
and doctors.


Although most radiation therapy involves transmission of radiation from an
external source to the cancer site (teletherapy), some cancer treatment
involves implantation of radioactive material directly on or into the
affected body part (brachytherapy).  Brachytherapy is a surgical procedure,
only performed by doctors. However, therapists assist by storing,
sterilizing, or preparing the special applicators containing the radioactive
substance for the physician to implant.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Radiation Therapists generally work in large, hospital-based or independent
cancer treatment centers, located in metropolitan areas.  Some Dosimetrists
work for computerized treatment planning services, which handle treatment
plan calculations for hospitals that do not have their own staff Dosimetrists.


Considerable standing, walking, lifting, and moving of patients are required
on the job.  Because of the presence of radiation-producing equipment and
radioactive materials, Radiation Therapists wear special badges to monitor
radiation exposure while in the radiation therapy area.  Adherence to safety
programs and procedures, as well as built-in safety devices, keep radiation
exposure within established safety levels.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993             2,070
Estimated number of workers in 2005             3,290
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        59%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005     490

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) 

Employment for Radiation Therapists is expected to grow faster than average
through 2005.  Such job opportunities are a result of the growth in 
healthcare industries and new uses of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic
technology.  Also, more treatment of cancer is anticipated due to the aging
population, efforts toward early detection, and improved ability to detect
cancer through radiological procedures.


WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Wages for  Radiation Therapists vary based on experience and job location.
The median wage reported is $22.62 per hour.  Dosimetrists usually earn
about fifteen percent more than general Radiation Therapists.


The regular workweek is 40 hours, five days a week. Unlike many hospital
workers, Radiation Therapists usually work day shift only.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Radiation Therapists must be licensed by the State Department of Health
Services.  Requirements include the completion of a State-approved radiation
therapy training program and the passage of a written examination.
Successful candidates receive the title, "Certified Radiologic
Technologist'' (CRT).  Those who also pass the certification exam given by
the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) may use the
designation, "Registered Radiation Therapy Technologist.''


Radiation therapy training programs are conducted by community colleges,
universities, and hospitals throughout California.  Most programs last two
years.  However, persons with prior training in related fields, such as
diagnostic radiological technology or nursing, may be able to complete the
program in one year. In all programs, classroom instruction is supplemented
by clinical experience in one or more hospitals.  Most schools have many
more applicants than they can accept. Prospective students are expected to
have a strong background in the physical and biological sciences and in
mathematics (including algebra and geometry). Extensive use of computers and
sophisticated machines necessitates in-depth computer technology training
for Radiation Therapists.


Many Radiation Therapists view their work as a "helping" occupation, similar
to teaching or social work.  Because they work with patients who are gravely
ill and often under stress, therapists must display emotional strength,
empathy, and patience.  They must be able to maintain pleasant, positive
relationships with their patients on a long-term basis.  Radiation
Therapists must be able to interact effectively with physicians and with the
therapy team when developing  plans of treatment.


ADVANCEMENT

Experienced, well-qualified therapists can become supervisors or, possibly,
managers of the radiation therapy department.  Therapists who earn teaching
credentials may qualify as training instructors, clinical coordinators, or
directors.  Those who have strong mathematical aptitude and interest, and
who complete additional training, may become Dosimetrists.


FINDING THE JOB

Students whose performance is superior during the clinical portion of their
training may be hired after graduation by the hospital in which they
trained. School instructors may refer qualified graduates to other jobs.
Additional information regarding openings can be obtained from the American
Society of Radiologic Technologists webpage.  However, job seekers need not
wait for openings to be advertised; they should also file applications
directly with employers for future consideration.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES

Department of Health Services
Radiologic Health Branch Certification
601 North 7th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-0931

If Mailing, send to: 
P.O. Box 942732
MS178
Sacramento, CA  94234-7320

Radiological Society of Northern America
2021 Spring Road, Suite 600
Oak Brook, IL  60523-1860
(630) 571-2670
www.rsna.org/

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Avenue Southeast
Albuquerque, NM  87123-3917
(505) 298-4500
www.asrt.org/

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners  No. 29
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists      No. 89

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Radiation-Therapy Technologist             078.361-034

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Radiation Therapists               329130
Nuclear Medicine Technologists     329140

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.