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Radiation Therapist
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Related Occupations
Diagnostic Radiologist
Medical Radiation Technologist
Oncologist
Radiation therapists may do some or all of the following
work with the radiation oncologist (cancer specialist) to plan and deliver treatment
take x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans and patients' measurements, to help to plan the radiation treatment
use computers to work out the amount and length of radiation treatment to give
make immobilisation devices, such as masks, to keep the body still during treatment
prepare patients and equipment for treatment
deliver the radiation treatment using high energy x-ray machines
educate the public and patients about radiation therapy and its side effects.
Radiation therapists need to have
knowledge of radiation treatment methods and radiation equipment
knowledge of radiation physics and how radiation affects the body
knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology
knowledge of basic nursing techniques
knowledge of research methods
excellent communication skills in order to relate to patients and other staff members
planning and organisational ability
problem-solving skills.
Radiation therapists should be
understanding, patient, concerned for others and empathetic
accurate and careful, with an eye for detail
mature and responsible
able to work well under pressure
safety-conscious
adaptable.