Taylor
How do I become a radiation therapy technician?
I would like to become a radiation therapist but I'm not sure where to start. I know that there are limited colleges offering a radiation therapy major and I'm unsure what the requirements are. #radiological-technician #radiation
2 answers
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
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.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/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 (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) 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.
SALARY
The median annual wage for radiation therapists was $85,560 in May 2019. 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 $59,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,630.
Most radiation therapists work full time. Radiation therapists keep a regular work schedule because radiation therapy procedures are usually planned in advance. Good luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Maria Sanchez
Maria’s Answer
To be a radiation therapist, first you will need to be have an A.S or A.A you will need to have completed a Radiolic technology program which is a two year program. This program is offered in a community college. Once you have completed the program ehich is almost 2000 clinical hours as a student. You will apply for the radiation therapy program around the last semester of the x ray program. During your clinical time if xray program you could be send to the oncology department where you could see all the roles of every member in that department. The radiation therapy program is 18 months +-.depending where you live you will apply. One of the most well-known programs for radiation therapy programs are city of hope and Loma Linda university. Beside paying good, its a previlage to be able to help patients that are fighting cancer. You need to have a very contagious and positive attitude because you are going to be with patients that are in there last days and others that are not giving up. You will need to have passion and compassion for patients.
I hope that this will answer your questions.
Maria Sanchez