Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is prescribed by a doctor for local or regional treatment of cancerous tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Radiation therapy can be delivered to a specific area of the body, such as a tumor or organ. Or it can be administered to the entire body, called whole-body radiation therapy (WBRT).
Some types of radiation therapy may be given in an outpatient setting, but most require you to stay overnight at the hospital. This allows your doctor to closely monitor how well you tolerate treatment and how it affects you.
Radiation therapists specialize in treating cancer with radiation. They work closely with other medical professionals such as radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses and social workers to provide patients with quality care during their cancer treatment experience.
To become a radiation therapist, you must complete an approved program at an accredited college or university that includes didactic education (classroom instruction) followed by clinical training under the supervision of experienced mentors in a hospital setting or laboratory environment.
Radiation therapists are licensed by their state board after passing exams administered by both their state and national organizations (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists [ARRT]).
Radiation Therapist Schools In Texas
Radiation therapists are medical professionals who work with radiation as a treatment for cancer. They use ionizing radiation – such as X-rays – to kill tumor cells and destroy carcinogenic cells.
Radiation therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to plan treatments based on the location and type of cancer, the stage of treatment and the patient’s overall health. They also administer the treatment by holding up shields or other protective devices while patients are being treated with radiation therapy.
Radiation therapists must be able to explain procedures clearly to patients so they understand what they will be going through during treatment sessions. They also need excellent communication skills so they can work well with other medical staff members, including doctors, nurses and technicians.
Radiation therapists must be able to physically move patients through different positions during treatments, so good mobility is important for this career path. Radiation therapy treatments often require long periods of time sitting or standing still, so stamina is another important trait for these professionals
