Radiation therapists are part of the radiation oncology team. They help treat people with cancer and other serious illnesses. Education requirements are an associate’s degree and clinical training or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. You also need certification from the American Registry of Radiation Technologists.
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A radiation therapist is a healthcare provider who works in radiation oncology (radiation therapy). They’re members of teams led by radiation oncologists that provide treatment for cancer and other serious diseases.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Radiation therapists help ensure people receiving radiation therapy understand the process and are as comfortable as possible during treatment. For example, a radiation therapist will:
Most radiation therapists work in hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but you may also work in a physician’s office or outpatient treatment center.
To become a radiation therapist, you’ll need to:
That depends on your degree and how long it takes for you to prepare for and pass your ARRT licensing examination. The licensing examination itself takes one day, but you may need weeks or months to prepare for it. You’ll need to take the examination within three years after you receive your degree.
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A radiation oncologist is a medical practitioner who oversees all aspects of radiation therapy. They lead the radiation oncology team, which includes radiation therapists. The education requirements are different: Radiation oncologists need four years of college, four years of medical school, a year of training in surgery or internal medicine and then four years of training (residency) in radiation oncology.
They may, but not to do things like give injections. When radiation therapists are preparing someone for treatment, they may use tiny needles to make tattoos that mark the treatment area.
Radiation therapy is a rewarding career, but it can be challenging:
Radiation therapists play an essential role in providing radiation therapy. The job requires constant attention to detail. At the same time, radiation therapists provide information and often offer emotional support to people receiving treatment.
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Last reviewed on 02/02/2024.
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