RADIATION THERAPISTS California Occupational Guide Number 535 Interest Area 13 1998
THE JOB
RADIATION THERAPISTS, also called Radiation Therapy Technologists, administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. They operate a variety of sophisticated machines, such as linear accelerators and cobalt units, which generate X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, and other types of radiation. Radiation therapy is based on the premise that cancer cells are typically more sensitive than normal cells to radiation's destructive effects. By focusing powerful beams of radiation precisely on the abnormal cells, the tumor can be partly or completely destroyed without permanently damaging the surrounding normal tissues.
Before therapy begins, the physician (radiation oncologist) prepares a detailed, long-term treatment plan, customized to the individual patient's condition and anatomy. Radiation Therapists, working closely with the physician and others on the therapy team, help to develop this plan. Preliminary steps in treatment planning include internal imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the cancer, measuring the patient's body contours, and using this information to develop cross-sectional diagrams of the affected area. Then, computers are used to find the best combination of beam angle, size, and distance, that will achieve the desired result with fewest undesirable side-effects. Although most Radiation Therapists are involved in at least some phases of treatment planning, a small number, known as Dosimetrists, specialize in this aspect of the work, which often involves complex mathematical calculations and multiple correlation's.
The length and frequency of radiation treatments varies among cancer patients. Radiation Therapists handle most treatment sessions on their own, under the general direction of the patient's physician and in accordance with the long-term treatment plan. When conducting daily therapy sessions, therapists first review treatment procedures with the patient, answering questions and providing needed reassurance and physical help. After setting up the radiation-producing equipment and positioning the patient as specified in the treatment plan, the technologist adjusts the controls and, in compliance with established worker safety requirements, operates the equipment from an adjoining room. During treatment, therapists constantly monitor the patient's condition through windows or closed-circuit TV monitors. Should any unexpected or adverse reactions occur, they must be prepared to turn the equipment off and provide immediate assistance. Then, exercising independent judgment, they must decide whether to call medical or nursing personnel.
As part of their job, Radiation Therapists maintain detailed records of all therapy sessions, noting on the patient's chart such information as the area treated, the radiation dosage, equipment control settings, the patient's reactions, and the total amount of radiation received to date. These charts are frequently reviewed by clinical (radiation) physicists, Dosimetrists, and doctors.
Although most radiation therapy involves transmission of radiation from an external source to the cancer site (teletherapy), some cancer treatment involves implantation of radioactive material directly on or into the affected body part (brachytherapy). Brachytherapy is a surgical procedure, only performed by doctors. However, therapists assist by storing, sterilizing, or preparing the special applicators containing the radioactive substance for the physician to implant.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Radiation Therapists generally work in large, hospital-based or independent cancer treatment centers, located in metropolitan areas. Some Dosimetrists work for computerized treatment planning services, which handle treatment plan calculations for hospitals that do not have their own staff Dosimetrists.
Considerable standing, walking, lifting, and moving of patients are required on the job. Because of the presence of radiation-producing equipment and radioactive materials, Radiation Therapists wear special badges to monitor radiation exposure while in the radiation therapy area. Adherence to safety programs and procedures, as well as built-in safety devices, keep radiation exposure within established safety levels.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,070 Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,290 Projected Growth 1993-2005 59% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 490
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment for Radiation Therapists is expected to grow faster than average through 2005. Such job opportunities are a result of the growth in healthcare industries and new uses of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Also, more treatment of cancer is anticipated due to the aging population, efforts toward early detection, and improved ability to detect cancer through radiological procedures.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Radiation Therapists vary based on experience and job location. The median wage reported is $22.95 per hour. Dosimetrists usually earn about fifteen percent more than general Radiation Therapists.
The regular workweek is 40 hours, five days a week. Unlike many hospital workers, Radiation Therapists usually work day shift only.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Radiation Therapists must be licensed by the State Department of Health Services. Requirements include the completion of a State-approved radiation therapy training program and the passage of a written examination. Successful candidates receive the title, "Certified Radiologic Technologist'' (CRT). Those who also pass the certification exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) may use the designation, "Registered Radiation Therapy Technologist.''
Radiation therapy training programs are conducted by community colleges, universities, and hospitals throughout California. Most programs last two years. However, persons with prior training in related fields, such as diagnostic radiological technology or nursing, may be able to complete the program in one year. In all programs, classroom instruction is supplemented by clinical experience in one or more hospitals. Most schools have many more applicants than they can accept. Prospective students are expected to have a strong background in the physical and biological sciences and in mathematics (including algebra and geometry). Extensive use of computers and sophisticated machines necessitates in-depth computer technology training for Radiation Therapists.
Many Radiation Therapists view their work as a "helping" occupation, similar to teaching or social work. Because they work with patients who are gravely ill and often under stress, therapists must display emotional strength, empathy, and patience. They must be able to maintain pleasant, positive relationships with their patients on a long-term basis. Radiation Therapists must be able to interact effectively with physicians and with the therapy team when developing plans of treatment.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced, well-qualified therapists can become supervisors or, possibly, managers of the radiation therapy department. Therapists who earn teaching credentials may qualify as training instructors, clinical coordinators, or directors. Those who have strong mathematical aptitude and interest, and who complete additional training, may become Dosimetrists.
FINDING THE JOB
Students whose performance is superior during the clinical portion of their training may be hired after graduation by the hospital in which they trained. School instructors may refer qualified graduates to other jobs. Additional information regarding openings can be obtained from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists webpage. However, job seekers need not wait for openings to be advertised; they should also file applications directly with employers for future consideration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES
Department of Health Services Radiologic Health Branch Certification 601 North 7th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-0931
If Mailing, send to: P.O. Box 942732 MS178 Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
Radiological Society of Northern America 2021 Spring Road, Suite 600 Oak Brook, IL 60523-1860 (630) 571-2670 www.rsna.org/
American Society of Radiologic Technologists 15000 Central Avenue Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917 (505) 298-4500 www.asrt.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners No. 29 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists No. 89
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Radiation-Therapy Technologist 078.361-034
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Radiation Therapists 329130 Nuclear Medicine Technologists 329140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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