About This Career

Provides radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.

This career is part of the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

A person in this career:

• Administers prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Positions patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
• Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
• Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
• Conducts most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
• Enters data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
• Checks radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Observes and reassures patients during treatment and reports unusual reactions to physician or turns equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
• Educates, prepares, and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
• Maintains records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and sanitation control
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Irregular hours
• Weekend work