1. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
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What is a Radiation Therapist?
A Radiation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Radiographer, is a radiation expert who generally works as a part of an oncology team inside medical institutions.
The Therapist's main responsibility is to provide radiation treatment and therapy to all individuals in tandem with the expertise and advice of the patient's oncologist. This also involves explaining the treatment to patients and their families, building a connection with them, answering their questions, as well as using equipment to monitor any progress or changes in the patient, and reporting on the changes to the head doctor.
They also maintain and regularly test the equipment used for monitoring and for the appliance of the treatment and regularly reading about new research and discoveries in the field of oncology to better their own medical understanding and the quality and method of their work.
A person hoping to work as a Radiation Therapist should have a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy and even previous work experience. A good understanding of the tools and methods at hand is important, and an eye for detail, technical and communication skills is essential as well.
The Therapist's main responsibility is to provide radiation treatment and therapy to all individuals in tandem with the expertise and advice of the patient's oncologist. This also involves explaining the treatment to patients and their families, building a connection with them, answering their questions, as well as using equipment to monitor any progress or changes in the patient, and reporting on the changes to the head doctor.
They also maintain and regularly test the equipment used for monitoring and for the appliance of the treatment and regularly reading about new research and discoveries in the field of oncology to better their own medical understanding and the quality and method of their work.
A person hoping to work as a Radiation Therapist should have a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy and even previous work experience. A good understanding of the tools and methods at hand is important, and an eye for detail, technical and communication skills is essential as well.
What Does a Radiation Therapist Do
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.
How To Become a Radiation Therapist
Most radiation therapists complete programs that lead to an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Radiation therapists must be licensed or certified in most states. Requirements vary by state, but often include passing a national certification exam.
Radiation Therapist Job Description
A radiation therapist collaborates with the oncology department in order to provide appropriate measures of radiation to patients suffering from cancer. Their duties include handling appropriate medical machinery, applying radiation to patients, and ensuring that treatments are working or adjusting doses accordingly.
Learn more about Radiation Therapist Job DescriptionCareer Path For a Radiation Therapist
As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, a radiation therapist can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as prn radiation therapist, progress to a title such as therapist and then eventually end up with the title nursing director.
Radiation Therapist
Average Salary for a Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists in America make an average salary of $84,981 per year or $41 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $113,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $63,000 per year.
Average Radiation Therapist Salary
$84,981 Yearly$40.86 hourly
What Am I Worth?
Roles and Types of Radiation Therapist
The role of a radiation therapist includes a wide range of responsibilities. These responsibilities can vary based on an individual's specific job, company, or industry.Here are some general radiation therapist responsibilities:
- Treatment operates linear accelerator and or superficial x-ray machine for the treatment of cancer patients. Sets up
- Performs radiation therapy treatments. Explains treatment procedures to patients. Prepares the treatment room
- Delivers and accurately documents a planned course of radiation on specific treatment equipment following the prescription of the radiation oncologist. Verifies the mathematical accuracy of the prescription, calculates treatment times
There are several types of radiation therapist, including:
Therapist
Role:
A therapist is the keeper of secrets. Neither therapist nor client is likely to advertise what is going on during sessions. You might have pinned down therapists as doctors of psychology who try to help the weak and crazy among us.
Well, the truth is contrary: it is a humble and courageous gesture to seek the help of a professional, not only in moments of crisis, trying to deal with harmful mental patterns or toxic core beliefs, which cause suffering to the patient and his/her or her environment alike, but also on a preventive basis.
So, just as much as it is the job of therapists to diagnose mental health problems and propose and conduct treatments, it is also their responsibility to make sure a diagnosis will never be necessary.
Well, the truth is contrary: it is a humble and courageous gesture to seek the help of a professional, not only in moments of crisis, trying to deal with harmful mental patterns or toxic core beliefs, which cause suffering to the patient and his/her or her environment alike, but also on a preventive basis.
So, just as much as it is the job of therapists to diagnose mental health problems and propose and conduct treatments, it is also their responsibility to make sure a diagnosis will never be necessary.
- Average Salary: $55,943
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
X-Ray Technician
Role:
An x-ray technician is a professional who works in the hospital to perform imaging tests on patients by request from medical personnel for diagnostic purposes. They operate x-ray equipment to get images of different areas of the body. They adjust x-ray machines as needed to ensure clear and accurate imaging. They also evaluate, interpret and report x-ray imaging results, make treatment recommendations based on x-ray results and ensure the patient is comfortable and protected from radiation.
Some skills associated with an x-ray technician include; analytical skills to be able to interpret results and strong communication skills, both verbal and written. They also require organizational, time management, and mechanical skills. They should be willing to spend long periods of time on their feet, perform heavy lifting equipment, and be frequently exposed to radiation. They might also work long hours, with evenings and weekends sometimes required.
A minimum of an associate's degree is required and, in most cases, a bachelor's degree. They earn an average salary of $57,450 per year. Some certifications for this job might include; The American Registry of Radiologist's Technicians, Registered Radiology Assistant, Radiologic Technologists Mammography Certification, and Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certification.
Some skills associated with an x-ray technician include; analytical skills to be able to interpret results and strong communication skills, both verbal and written. They also require organizational, time management, and mechanical skills. They should be willing to spend long periods of time on their feet, perform heavy lifting equipment, and be frequently exposed to radiation. They might also work long hours, with evenings and weekends sometimes required.
A minimum of an associate's degree is required and, in most cases, a bachelor's degree. They earn an average salary of $57,450 per year. Some certifications for this job might include; The American Registry of Radiologist's Technicians, Registered Radiology Assistant, Radiologic Technologists Mammography Certification, and Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certification.
- Average Salary: $51,642
- Degree: Associate Degree
Mammography Technician
Role:
Mammography technologists operate a mammography unit to produce images of the breasts for diagnostic purposes under the direction of a physician. They explain the procedure to patients, position and immobilize the patient's breast in the unit, and observe the scanning process. This involves monitoring the video display of the area being scanned and adjusting the density or contrast to improve picture quality.
Most mammography technicians have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in radiology. At various points during these undergraduate programs, they will specialize in mammography. The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists currently certifies mammography technicians, and forty other states in the US currently require this certification by law in order to practice.
According to salary.com, the median salary of mammography technologists is between $67,373 and $80,898.
Most mammography technicians have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in radiology. At various points during these undergraduate programs, they will specialize in mammography. The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists currently certifies mammography technicians, and forty other states in the US currently require this certification by law in order to practice.
According to salary.com, the median salary of mammography technologists is between $67,373 and $80,898.
- Average Salary: $64,362
- Degree: Associate Degree
States With The Most Radiation Therapist Jobs
Mouse over a state to see the number of active radiation therapist jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where radiation therapists earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average Salary: Job Openings:
Number Of Radiation Therapist Jobs By State
| Rank | State | Number of Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 4,072 | $123,879 |
| 2 | Texas | 3,301 | $87,631 |
| 3 | New York | 1,746 | $102,947 |
| 4 | Illinois | 1,660 | $89,685 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 1,567 | $108,529 |
| 6 | Georgia | 1,508 | $80,994 |
| 7 | Ohio | 1,427 | $82,041 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 1,277 | $80,374 |
| 9 | New Jersey | 1,186 | $64,451 |
| 10 | Virginia | 1,185 | $74,945 |
| 11 | Indiana | 1,130 | $96,565 |
| 12 | Washington | 1,090 | $96,570 |
| 13 | Michigan | 969 | $83,387 |
| 14 | Missouri | 938 | $121,228 |
| 15 | Tennessee | 862 | $78,872 |
| 16 | Maryland | 854 | $84,869 |
| 17 | Colorado | 834 | $84,800 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 710 | $94,886 |
| 19 | Minnesota | 596 | $73,990 |
| 20 | Alabama | 558 | $80,267 |
| 21 | Oregon | 542 | $95,733 |
| 22 | Iowa | 522 | $60,064 |
| 23 | Kansas | 509 | $76,016 |
| 24 | Kentucky | 502 | $91,995 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | 471 | $78,406 |
| 26 | Nebraska | 378 | $118,746 |
| 27 | Florida | 372 | $83,974 |
| 28 | Arkansas | 367 | $84,325 |
| 29 | Utah | 300 | $121,237 |
| 30 | Massachusetts | 242 | $77,814 |
| 31 | Nevada | 241 | $79,525 |
| 32 | Idaho | 217 | $94,194 |
| 33 | North Dakota | 193 | $118,935 |
| 34 | Maine | 192 | $92,060 |
| 35 | Montana | 184 | $78,244 |
| 36 | Delaware | 162 | $80,359 |
| 37 | Louisiana | 124 | $86,771 |
| 38 | Arizona | 102 | $73,785 |
| 39 | South Carolina | 80 | $85,198 |
| 40 | Mississippi | 52 | $130,376 |
| 41 | New Mexico | 51 | $86,255 |
| 42 | Connecticut | 32 | $79,126 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | 28 | $76,378 |
| 44 | Rhode Island | 26 | $78,637 |
| 45 | South Dakota | 22 | $77,522 |
| 46 | Wyoming | 14 | $72,593 |
| 47 | West Virginia | 12 | $93,712 |
| 48 | Alaska | 11 | $119,407 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 8 | $77,469 |
| 50 | Vermont | 7 | $73,122 |
Top Colleges for Radiation Therapists
2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-State Tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
3. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
In-State Tuition
$53,430
Enrollment
5,963
4. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-State Tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
6. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
7. Georgetown University
Washington, DC • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,104
Enrollment
7,089
8. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
In-State Tuition
$49,816
Enrollment
6,840
9. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,382
Enrollment
5,597
10. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,381
Enrollment
34,564
Top Skills For a Radiation Therapist
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 28.0% of radiation therapists listed patients on their resume, but soft skills such as detail oriented and interpersonal skills are important as well.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Radiation Therapist Resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Radiation Therapist templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Radiation Therapist resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
Radiation Therapist diversity
Radiation Therapist Gender Distribution
Female
66%
Male
34%
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
- Among radiation therapists, 65.7% of them are women, while 34.3% are men.
- The most common race/ethnicity among radiation therapists is White, which makes up 69.7% of all radiation therapists.
- The most common foreign language among radiation therapists is Spanish at 63.9%.
Online Courses For Radiation Therapist That You May Like
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Best States For a Radiation Therapist
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a radiation therapist. The best states for people in this position are Mississippi, California, Utah, and Missouri. Radiation therapists make the most in Mississippi with an average salary of $130,376. Whereas in California and Utah, they would average $123,879 and $121,237, respectively. While radiation therapists would only make an average of $121,228 in Missouri, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. North Dakota
Total Radiation Therapist Jobs: 193
Highest 10% Earn:
$150,000
Location Quotient:
1.77
$118,935
Avg. Salary
2. Nebraska
Total Radiation Therapist Jobs: 378
Highest 10% Earn:
$160,000
Location Quotient:
1.45
$118,746
Avg. Salary
3. Missouri
Total Radiation Therapist Jobs: 938
Highest 10% Earn:
$166,000
Location Quotient:
1.36
$121,228
Avg. Salary
How Do Radiation Therapists Rate Their Jobs?
Top Radiation Therapist Employers
Most Common Employers For Radiation Therapist
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Joseph's Hospital | $115,941 | $55.74 | 14 |
| 2 | University Hospitals | $113,081 | $54.37 | 9 |
| 3 | Cleveland Clinic | $111,603 | $53.66 | 7 |
| 4 | Methodist Hospital Of Henderson, Kentucky | $97,217 | $46.74 | 8 |
| 5 | Good Samaritan | $96,304 | $46.30 | 11 |
| 6 | CancerCare | $94,751 | $45.55 | 10 |
| 7 | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | $90,942 | $43.72 | 15 |
| 8 | UPMC | $90,282 | $43.40 | 14 |
| 9 | Kaiser Permanente | $88,470 | $42.53 | 11 |
| 10 | Asante | $81,034 | $38.96 | 10 |
Radiation Therapist Videos
Radiation Therapist Salary | Radiation Therapist Income, Education Requirements, Overview
Becoming a Radiation Therapist FAQs
Do Radiation Therapists Make Good Money?
Yes, radiation therapists make good money. The average salary for radiation therapists in the United States is around $85,000 per year. Salaries typically start from $59,000 and go up to $130,000.
How Many Years Does It Take To Become A Radiation Therapist?
It takes two to four years to become a radiation therapist. Becoming a radiation therapist takes between two and four years to obtain your desired degree. An associate's degree takes two years to complete, and a bachelor's of science in radiation therapy takes four years to complete.
Is Being A Radiation Therapist A Good Job?
Yes, being a radiation therapist is a good job. Radiation therapists are in high demand, are paid well, and provide a service that actively helps many people.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiation therapy employment is expected to grow 9% by 2028, faster than average employment growth. This means that radiation therapists are in high demand across the United States.
Is It Hard To Become A Radiation Therapist?
No, it is not hard to become a radiation therapist. Becoming a radiation therapist takes between two and four years to obtain your desired degree. An associate's degree takes two years to complete, and a bachelor of science in radiation therapy takes four years.
Radiation Therapist Vs Radiation Tech
A radiation therapist is an expert medical professional who facilitates treatment for patients with malignant tumors by using high-energy radiation to kill or manage the growth of cancer cells, while a radiation tech is a medical professional who performs imaging studies that are used for a patient's diagnosis.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Being A Radiation Therapist?
The pros of being a radiation therapist include helping patients, earning a good salary, and job security, while to con is working in a physically demanding and stressful work environment. Radiation therapists provide vital treatments to patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases but are also exposed to radiation daily.
Have more questions? See all answers to common healthcare practitioner and technical questions.