Radiation Therapists

Are you equally comfortable around people and machines? Do you hope for a career helping others in difficult circumstances?

Radiation therapists use a machine to treat cancer patients, but working with the machine is only part of the job. As a radiation therapist, your role in the struggle against disease involves other duties as well. For example, you'll work with doctors and others to come up with a plan for shrinking or getting rid of tumors. Communicating with and supporting your patients is another key part of the job description.

Radiation therapists operate linear accelerators -- machines that project x-rays -- to treat cancer.

Are You Ready To...?

• Work with patients on your own
• Provide emotional support to patients and remain upbeat
• Consult with doctors to develop treatment plans
• Keep careful records of your treatments
• Adjust the linear accelerator as needed
• Follow safety procedures carefully to avoid overexposure to radiation
• Spend long hours on your feet
• Keep fit so that you can help disabled patients

It Helps To Be...

Caring, articulate, organized, and confident. You'll be working one-on-one with patients who may be anxious and fearful, and you'll need to guide them through a difficult procedure.

Make High School Count

• Volunteer at a hospital or other health care setting to find out if working with seriously ill patients is for you.
• Do your best in science and math classes; you'll study subjects like anatomy, physics, and precalculus in college.
• Take advantage of assigned lab reports to practice keeping accurate records.
• Practice your communication skills in debate, drama, and speech and English classes.
• Play sports to stay in shape.
• Visit the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) website to find accredited radiation therapy programs.