How do they match: Radiation Therapists

  • Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.

  • Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
  • Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
  • Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
  • Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  • Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
  • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  • Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
  • Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  • Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
  • Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
  • Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
  • Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
  • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  • Schedule patients for treatment times.

  • Administer cancer treatments.
  • Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.
  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
  • Position patients for treatment or examination.