Who administers my radiation therapy treatments?

The medical professionals that administer radiation therapy during your treatments are called radiation therapists. They work with the radiation oncologist, nurses, physicist, and dosimetrist to provide optimal radiation treatments. Radiation therapists have several tasks and duties that they are responsible for including, but not limited to:

• Morning quality assurance on the treatment machine.
• Ensuring the prescribed dose is administered to the specific area of the body for the correct number of fractions.
• Preparing and sterilizing the treatment rooms.
• Positioning patients in the correct position for treatment.
• Operating the treatment machine, CAT scan machine, and brachytherapy machine.
• Monitoring patients for skin reactions.
• Maintaining detailed records of the patient’s treatments.

You will see the radiation therapists every day, unlike the rest of the care team, who you will likely only see once a week. It is important to communicate with the radiation therapists about any questions or concerns you may have during your course of treatment.

What does it take to become a radiation therapist?

Becoming a radiation therapist takes between two and four years. Two years for an associate's degree and four years for a bachelor's degree. Most employers prefer that the therapists have a bachelor’s degree. A radiation therapy degree consists of classroom education and hands-on clinical experiences. The training program thoroughly prepares students for a career as a radiation therapist.