Radiation-Therapist

Radiation Therapist
Description: Radiation Therapist's act to a radiologist much as a nurse would act with a doctor, an aide. Radiation Therapists must interact with patients, perform diagnostics, keep records and files and assist in dosimetry procedures.

Interests: social interaction is a large part of the job.

Tasks Completed in this Career
 * 1**. Arrange treatment for patients according to prescription.
 * 2**. Administer doses of radiation using therapy equipment abiding to practices and standards set by doctors.
 * 3**. Check radiation therapy equipment to make sure everything is working.
 * 4**. Review all patient information.
 * 5**. Abide by radiation protection guidlines to protect the patient, yourself, and others.
 * 6**. Manage files of patients as required, including radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients' reactions to treatment.
 * 7**. Manage treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the treatment plan and with the general guidlines of a patients doctor.
 * 8**. Manage data files and prepare equipment for radiation.
 * 9**. Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual behaviors during treatment.
 * 10**. Calculate the treatment dosages given during each radiation session.
 * 11**. Check the patients for side effects including skin irritation, nausea and hair loss to record how patients are responding to treatment.

Knowledge Required Physics English Language** Psychology Computers and Electronics**
 * Customer and Personal Service**
 * Medicine and Dentistry
 * Biology

Education Required and Preparation Needed Education: Most occupations in this field require an associate's degree while some may require a bachelor's degree Training: Employees in this field typicalyy need one or two years of radiation training, involving both hands on training and informal training with experienced workers.

Wages In New York the average salary was $59,940 for entry level workers, and $87,610 for experienced workers.

Job Outlook In New York there are currently 740 Radiation Therapists employed.

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