Radiation Therapists Go Back to List Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Medical software

Tasks
	Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
	Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
	Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
	Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
	Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
	Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
	Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
	Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
	Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
	Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $108,984.00 $52.40  $39.81  $41.84 - $58.27  Bridgeport/Stamford $103,542.00 $49.78  $38.76  $39.10 - $60.89  Hartford $110,614.00 $53.18  $40.97  $41.84 - $57.78  New Haven $104,726.00 $50.35  $38.46  $40.60 - $57.93

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   9   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.