Radiation Therapists

Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.

Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.

Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.

Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.

Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.

Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.

Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.

Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.

Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.

Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.

Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.

Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.

Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.

Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.

Photograph treated area of patient and process film.

Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.

Schedule patients for treatment times.

Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.

Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.