Today, in this blog, we will discuss how to become a radiation therapist. The educational requirements, certifications, and career tips. A comprehensive guide on how to become a successful radiation therapist.
What is a Radiation Therapist?
Radiation therapist uses radiation therapy to treat patients with cancer. They are the healthcare workers who collaborate with oncologists and make sure that the correct amount of radiation is used in the targeted area.
How to become a Radiation Therapist?
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to become a radiation therapist.
Educational requirements:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Get admission to a radiation therapy program accredited by the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology). For better opportunities, you can also pursue a bachelor’s in radiation therapy.
Clinical training:
During your degree, you will also get your clinical training. You will work in hospitals and clinics and will interact with real patients.
Certifications:
After getting your degree, pass the AART (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam. Maintain your certification by continuing your education.
Get your license:
The last step is to get your license and start your career as a registered technologist.
Specialization:
You can also consider specialization in areas like dosimetry.it is the measurement, assessment, and calculation of ionizing radiation dose absorbed by the human body.
What does a Radiation Therapist do?
Radiation therapists play a significant role in the treatment of cancer patients and other diseases. The role of radiation therapists in the field of healthcare is as follows.
- They help in administering radiation treatments. They follow the treatment plan by radiation oncologists and target the radiation to the area of the body of the patient that needs treatment.
- They make sure that the patient is comfortable during the treatment. They adjust their positions on the treatment table and use immobilization devices. So that the patients remain still during the treatment.
- Radiotherapists collaborate with other healthcare workers such as radiation oncologists in treatment planning and setup.
- They monitor the side effects of the patients and their reactions to the treatments.
- Explain the procedure to the patients to help them with their anxiety and provide emotional support.
- The radiation therapist’s role is also to check, maintain, and operate the radiation therapy equipment.
- They make sure that the patient and the other team members are safe from unnecessary radiation during the therapy session.
- Radiation therapists keep a record of everything that is done in the session, such as machine settings, radiation dose, patient’s side effects, and more.
Skills required to become a Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapist requirements also consist of soft skills to be successful in their career such as:
- Technical skills
- Communicational skills
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Physical stamina
How long does it take to become a radiation therapist?
It depends on what degree you are going for. An associate degree program is 2 years, whereas the Bachelor of Science in radiation is a 4-year program. After you are done with your degree, you must prepare for the AART exam. Make sure you apply for the AART licensing exam within the 3 years after getting your degree.
Where do Radiation Therapists work?
Radiation therapists can be found working in different healthcare settings, treating patients such as:
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Outpatient clinics
- Research facilities
- Military hospitals
- Hospice care centers
Is it hard to become a Radiation Therapist?
Any field you want to choose has its challenges and benefits. No doubt studying radiation therapy is also challenging but it has its benefits and rewards if you work hard for it.
What is the hardest part of being a Radiation Therapist?
The hardest part of being a radiation therapist is that it is a physically demanding job. You must be active and, on your feet all the time. You will be required to move the patients to and from the treatment tables. Moreover, it is emotionally challenging too. The patients you see are extremely ill and may die.
Conclusion
Radiation therapists play a vital role in the treatment of cancer patients. It is a fulfilling career that comes with its challenges and benefits. In this blog, we have discussed how to become a radiation technologist, its educational and skill requirements, and its duties. If you are a radiation therapist and looking for a job, join Skillgigs now.
