Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists typically perform the following tasks: • Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription. • Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards. • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others. • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification. • Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician. • Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage. • Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation. • Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur. • Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care. • Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions. • Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment. • Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices. • Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy. • Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session. • Photograph treated area of patient and process film. • Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel. • Schedule patients for treatment times. • Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization. • Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists. • Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.