Are you curious about a career as a Radiation Therapist in the United States of America? Now you can learn what Radiation Therapists do, the work environment, how to become one, salary, and job outlook.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy rays (X-rays, Gamma Rays, Electrons) or radioisotopes (radioactive materials) to treat cancer and other diseases. The radiation treatment process requires highly trained radiation therapists. Radiation therapists use medical devices and equipment to help control the harmful side effects from radiation treatments.
Radiation therapy uses high energy beams of radiation to treat or destroy cancerous tumors, and other illnesses, like skin diseases and infections. Radiation therapy has many different forms, but they all work the same way. The therapist uses either X-rays, protons, gamma rays, or electrons to deliver radiation to a specific area of the body.
These beams can be in the form of a single ray, called a spot beam, which travels to a specific location on the patient’s body; or they can be multiple beams, or beams from a collimator, which can deliver a dose of radiation to a much larger area.
How does Radiation Therapy Work?
The most common type of radiation therapy for cancer is called external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). In this form of treatment, the radiation is delivered from outside the body to a tumor through a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC).
How do Radiation Therapists work?
Radiation therapists monitor patients who are being treated with radiation to make sure the dosage is correct. They are also responsible for the placement of the radiation source and monitoring the delivery of radiation to ensure the safety of the patient. They may also be called upon to perform surgery or prescribe medication.
What is the Work Environment like?
The work environment for a Radiation Therapist can vary widely. There are hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and many other places where radiation therapy is practiced. Depending on the type of facility you work at, the work day can be very long.
You are strongly encouraged to watch both videos about radiation therapists below, take good notes, and then visit the comments section below and share your thoughts and your knowledge on radiation therapists in the United States of America.