Radiation Therapy Technologist

In another specialty of radiology technology, radiation therapists administer radiation treatment for cancer by exposing specific areas of the patient’s body to carefully controlled doses of radiation under the direction of a radiation oncologist (physician specializing in the treatment of cancer through radiation). Radiation plays a major role in treating cancer by relieving symptoms and many times producing a cure. It is often supplemented with surgery or chemotherapy and requires skillful application by radiation therapists. They provide emotional support to patients, keep records, administer treatment, and follow strict safety procedures to provide radiation protection for their patients and themselves.

Places of Employment
Hospitals

High School/General Preparation
High School diploma required

Special Education/Training
After a degree in radiology technology there is special training in nuclear medical  equipment and techniques.

Schools
Oregon Health and Sciences University
eluviis.ohsu.edu/radiation_therapy
www.ohsu.edu

Licensure, Certification, and Registration
Oregon Board of Radiologic Technology
www.obrt.state.or.us

Professional Organizations
American Registry of Radiology Technologists
www.arrt.org

American Society of Radiology Technologists
www.asrt.org

© Copyright 2002 Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems