What is a radiation therapist and how do radiation therapists differ from X-ray technologists?
• Radiation therapists are: • Licensed medical professionals trained to actually administer the radiation treatments prescribed by the doctor. Therapists are responsible for accurately positioning the patient daily and operating the treatment machines. • X-ray technologists (radiographers) are: • Trained to obtain high quality images such as x-rays and CT scans. The training programs are very different. Radiation therapists complete a 4 year program of classroom study and clinical training. Subjects include physics, anatomy, radiation biology, and oncology. After completion of training, graduates have to pass a board exam given by the ASRT (American Society of Radiation Technologists) to obtain licensure.
