Occupation: Radiation therapist
Job description: Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Hourly wages: $19.55 to $39.85
Annual salary: $38,924 to $81,0540
Education: Associate degree or higher, state certification
Job duties:
Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards
Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes, for use in radiation treatments
Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session
Check for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea and hair loss to assess patients’ reaction to treatment
Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation
Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient’s physician
Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians’ advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care
Enter data into computer and set controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage
Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others
Help physicians, radiation oncologists and clinical physicists to prepare physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy
Implement appropriate follow-up care plans
Maintain records, reports and files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients’ reactions
Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur
Position patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription
Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices
Provide assistance to other health care personnel during procedures and tumor localization
Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification
Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician
Train and supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security. Data for Chicago metropolitan area.
