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.
Common Job Titles
- Dosimetrist
- Radiation Therapist (RT)
- Registered Radiation Therapist
- Staff Radiation Therapist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate linear accelerators and radiation therapy equipment following prescribed treatment plans from radiation oncologists, ensuring precise dose delivery.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate radiation prescriptions and patient diagnostic information in collaboration with radiation oncologists and medical physicists, determining treatment feasibility and safety.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform patient positioning and immobilization procedures using custom devices, casts, and positioning equipment to ensure accurate treatment field alignment.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze treatment verification images and dosimetry data using CT simulators, portal imaging, and dose calculation software to ensure treatment accuracy.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with radiation safety protocols when addressing patient anxiety and concerns throughout the treatment process.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply radiation physics and dosimetry principles during treatment planning support, beam analysis, and quality assurance procedures.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret treatment plans and technical specifications for patients and interdisciplinary team members, explaining procedures and expected outcomes.Proficient
- KnowledgeDocument treatment delivery records, patient responses, and equipment performance data in electronic medical record systems, maintaining regulatory compliance and continuity of care.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient safety and treatment quality by identifying potential errors, communicating concerns to physicians, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.Proficient
- Hands-onCalibrate radiation monitoring and dosimetry equipment following established quality control protocols to maintain treatment accuracy and safety standards.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Radiation Therapists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
18,700
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $77,860. 25th percentile: U.S. $86,520. 50th percentile: U.S. $101,990. 75th percentile: U.S. $120,360. 90th percentile: U.S. $141,550. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $77,860 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $141,550 |
| Workers on average earn | $110,820 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.0/5
- Physics3.8/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Eclipse IDE
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Beam analysis software
- Dose unit calculation software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Image processing software
- Lifeline Software RadCalc
- Nucletron planning systems
- Patient management software
- Procedure scheduling software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Area radiation monitors
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Band saws
- Beam direction shells
- Body-fat calipers
- Brachytherapy units
- Cobalt radiation therapy machines