Radiation Therapist
A Radiation Therapist is a qualified professional who provides general and complex radiation therapy services to treat patients for certain medical conditions, on the order of a physician.
Radiation Therapy is the treatment of disease with radiation which involves the use of ionizing radiation to destroy diseased cells in the body; for example, cancer.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Radiation Therapists:
- Operate diagnostic equipment and linear accelerators, such as X-ray, CT scan, computerized axial tomography, Orthovoltage, HDR and other radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation
- Assist radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with preparation of radiation treatment plan
- Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes and the construction of devices to assist with administration of radiation treatment
- Monitor the patient's physical and psychological well-being during the entire course of treatment
- Provide ongoing patient/family education during the entire course of therapy
- Advise the patient regarding side effects of radiation
- Apply proper radiation methods and techniques, and observe radiation safety measures for patients and personnel
- May provide guidance, training and orientation to other radiation therapy staff, students, and other health care professionals
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Strong problem-solving
- Excellent technical skills and interest in technology
- Good judgment
- Empathy and understanding of patients needs
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt in difficult or stressful settings
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Education and Training
Completion of an accredited University or college educational program in Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) with specialization in Radiation Therapy, combined with a supervised practical training is required to work in this field.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
A Bachelor of Health Sciences with specialization in Radiation Therapy is offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- University of New Brunswick – English program
Length of Study / Training
4.0 years
Licence and certification
In New Brunswick, Radiation Therapists must be certified and registered with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists - New Brunswick Division and pass the national association's exam.
Helpful High School Courses
- Science
- Math
- Basic computer course
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Radiation Therapists work in a variety of settings such as:
- Hospitals,
- Cancer treatment centres
- Medical equipment sales company
Radiation Therapists usually work weekdays, but may occasionally be required to work on weekends. The vast majority will work in direct patient contact and lifting or moving patients is a regular component of the job. Safety precautions are required to avoid back strain and repetitive stress injuries as well as unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
This profession is in development, however, with rapidly changing technologies and the aging population, the demand in this field is expected to be constant.