Conquering Cancer: Radiation Therapists Part of Treatment Team |
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July 10, 2006
by Kathy A. Johnson
kathy.johnson@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
What do Yankees manager Joe Torre, singer Kylie Minogue, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell have in common? They've all been diagnosed with cancer.
Each year, more than one million Americans receive a cancer diagnosis. Many newly and previously diagnosed patients opt for some type of radiation therapy. The medical professionals who administer this treatment, radiation therapists, are part of many cancer treatment teams.
A Closer Look
Responsibilities of a radiation therapist include explaining procedures to patients and their families, positioning patients for prescribed radiation therapy treatments, administering those treatments, and observing patients for adverse reactions or side effects.
Radiation therapists should possess empathy, patience, compassion, and emotional stability. They must be comfortable working with complicated equipment and people who may be frightened or anxious.
The most challenging aspect of working as a radiation therapist is also one of the most rewarding. Radiation therapist Toni Kerker said, "Since it is common to treat a patient every day for six weeks in a row, I get to know the patients. I enjoy seeing the same people over and over." However, if patients return because of a recurrence, she finds it emotionally challenging. "Fortunately, a lot of our patients are cured," she noted.
Radiation Therapist Training
Accredited two- and four-year radiation therapy programs can be found in hospitals, community colleges, and at the university level. Nurses, medical technologists, and others who have worked in health care may be able to pursue a one-year certificate program.
Following completion of an accredited program, radiation therapists must pass a national certification exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become licensed.
If you're interested in a job in radiation therapy, Kerker advised, "Check out a radiation therapy or radiology department to make sure it's something you're cut out for."
Even though the work can be emotionally taxing, radiation therapists love being part of the team helping patients conquer cancer.
Sources
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Field, Shelly, Career Opportunities in Health Care
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
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