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Radiation Therapist

💰 Earn $137K-$172K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 1.9% Job Growth

Help patients fight cancer by delivering precise radiation treatments.
Make a difference in healthcare with advanced technology and patient care.
Unique role combining medical expertise and cutting-edge equipment.

What Radiation Therapists DoProvide 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.

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
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.

Radiation Therapists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationAssociate Degree

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings900 Annually

Median Earnings

$160,040 in California

$101,990 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@guardian_xiii

@macyelainee

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Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness

Go Deeper: Radiation Therapists Explained

Radiation TherapistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

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