Radiation Therapy Career Prospects

If you have been researching allied health careers and jobs in the medical field, you may be wondering, is radiation therapy a good career? Radiation therapists and radiation technologists are trained to work with different types of equipment to administer radiation therapy to cancer patients. Radiation professionals typically work in medical clinics, hospitals, cancer treatment centers and private clinics to provide advanced treatments that reduce the size of a tumor.



Radiation therapy education programs can range anywhere from a year to four years or more, depending on the level of training you want to complete. Is radiation therapy a good career path for you? Here's what you need to know.

Specifics of a Career in Radiation Therapy

Demand for radiation therapist is only expected to increase over the next decade. Radiation therapists are trained to acquire very specialized skills and learn how to operate different types of radiation equipment effectively. They must learn how to use various types of safety protocol and follow strict procedures to ensure patient safety at all times. Radiation therapy careers are well-suited for those who:

  • Enjoy working with patients
  • Are comfortable learning how to use state-of-the-art equipment
  • Have a strong medical and science background
  • Can work effectively with a team of oncologists and physicians
  • Have strong communication skills
  • Can work under pressure
  • Have a strong attention to detail
  • Can lift patients without causing injuries

Radiation therapists are responsible for programming the radiation machines according to the requirements of an oncologist or senior radiation therapist. They are also responsible for guiding and positioning the patient under the radiation machines to ensure accurate and precise delivery of radiation energy at the tumor site. If you've been wondering, is radiation therapy a good career choice for me, make sure you understand some of the job responsibilities and duties of a radiation therapist by reviewing job descriptions and position descriptions in your local area.

Types of Radiation Therapy Careers

If you are interested in exploring a radiation therapy career, you'll need to decide what level of education or training you want to complete based on the type of position you want to pursue after graduation. Most employers do prefer radiation therapists to have at least a bachelor's degree and some type of certification. ARRT certification is widely recognized in this industry and can be a valuable addition to any radiation therapist's career.

Some of the different types of radiation therapy careers include:

  • Radiation Therapist
  • Radiation Therapy Technologist
  • Chief Radiation Therapist
  • Radiation Therapy Researcher
  • Radiation Therapy Instructor

If you are interested in a supervisor position in this field, most employers require at least a master's degree in radiation therapy or a related field. Research or professor positions at a college or university typically demand a doctoral degree in radiation therapy.

You will need to check with your state's Department of Health to learn about licensing and certification requirements for employment. Is radiation therapy a good career for you? Take some time to learn about different job opportunities and requirements to learn more about this rewarding career.