Radiation therapists work in hospitals, physicians offices, and cancer treatment centers.
Radiation therapists are whats known as allied medical professionals.
Most allied medical professionals are technicians or technologists of some sort.
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Concentrations
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is one of the most common treatments for cancer.
Unlikechemotherapy, which often exposes the whole body to cancer-fighting drugs, radiation therapy is usually a local treatment.
To stop cancer from coming back somewhere else
Cancer can spread(a.k.a.
metastasize) from where it started to other body parts.
To treat symptoms resulting from advanced cancer
Sometimes, cancer has spread too much to be cured.
Whether radiation will be used after recurrence depends on many factors.
Procedural Expertise
There are two main types of radiation therapy that radiation therapists performexternal beam and internal.
The machine is large and noisy.
The radiation source can be solid or liquid.
Internal radiation therapy with a solid source is called brachytherapy.
Internal radiation therapy with a liquid source is called systemic therapy.
Systemic radiation therapy is delivered by mouth, through a vein via an IV line, or by injection.
However, sometimes a 12-month certificate program suffices.
Radiation therapists must be licensed or certified in most states.
Requirements vary by state but often include passing a national certification exam.
The most widely recognized certifying body is theAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Certified radiation therapists must meet education and clinical competency standards set by the ARRT.Certification must be renewed annually.
You wont receive any treatment during this planning session.
During your simulation, youll haveX-raysor aCT scanto verify the anatomy that will be treated.
Photographs may also be taken to be sure you’re positioned correctly on the treatment table during radiation therapy.
At the end of your simulation, youll receive an appointment for your set-up procedure.
This is the final appointment before your treatment begins.
The details are carefully planned and checked.
This takes between one to two weeks.
There are many different radiation therapy options.
Each session is quick and painless, lasting about 15 minutes.
This schedule usually continues for five to eight weeks.
Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover.
They also keep detailed records of treatment.
If it’s crucial that you change your schedule for any reason, speak with your radiation therapist.
Patients understandably want to know if theyll be radioactive during or after radiation treatment.
It depends on the throw in of treatment.
With systemic radiation, your body fluidsyour urine, sweat, and salivawill emit radiation for a few days.
These treatments require safety measures to protect others from radiation exposure.
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