What is a radiation therapist?
Radiation therapists assist in locating tumors, participate in treatment planning and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation prescribed by a radiation oncologist. Radiation therapists are the primary liaison between patients and other members of the radiation oncology team. They provide a link to other health care providers, such as social workers and dietitians. Radiation therapy often involves daily treatments extending over several weeks. This treatment method uses highly sophisticated equipment and requires a great deal of initial planning, as well as constant patient care and monitoring. Radiation therapists must maintain a high degree of accuracy and an awareness of safety issues. They remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of patients. Radiation therapists must demonstrate an understanding of cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, equipment technology, radiation safety and the psychosocial aspects of cancer. The radiation therapist uses professi
A radiation therapist performs therapeutic radiation treatments and lends emotional support to cancer patients. This is done under the direction of a radiation oncologist and physicist. A radiation therapist may also be involved with the simulation, treatment planning and dosimetry of a course of radiation. To be successful as a radiation therapist, the student must possess independent judgement and the ability to provide the best possible care to patients and their families. The treatment of a cancer patient uses a multi-disciplinary approach. Therefore, the radiation therapist must be able to interact and communicate positively with other health care professionals.
A radiation therapist is an integral part of the cancer care team that manages and cares for cancer patients and is responsible for simulation, daily treatments, and patient evaluation. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and developing supportive bonds with patients and their families are truly rewarding aspects of this challenging career. Radiation Therapy is a clinical specialty using high energy x-rays to treat different types of cancer and non-malignant conditions. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
The radiation therapist is a health professional specialising in the use of ionizing radiation for the design, calculation and delivery of a prescribed radiation dose over a course of treatment for cancer and other diseases. As key members of the Radiation Oncology team, radiation therapists are responsible for the practical implementation of the medical prescription and work in conjunction with the radiation oncologist. Radiation Therapists have the knowledge and skills to operate in a highly complex and sophisticated technological environment, which requires the use of sophisticated imaging equipment, computers and computer controlled treatment machines. This requires knowledge of the physical sciences, medical biological principles, radiation physics, radiation protection, dose modelling and patient care. Radiation Therapists have strong inter-personal and patient care skills, and are able to adapt to new technology in a highly technical and rapidly-advancing medical field. They are
