Radiation Therapists

• 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.
• Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
• Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiation Therapists.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiation Therapists.