Radiation therapist
Encyclopedia
The Radiation Therapist (or Therapeutic Radiographer (esp. UK), or Radiotherapist) is an allied health professional who works in the field of radiation oncology. Radiation therapists plan and administer radiation treatments to cancer patients in most Western countries including the United Kingdom
, Australia
, New Zealand
, most Europe
an countries, and Canada
where the minimum education requirement is often a baccalaureate degree or postgraduate degrees in Radiation Therapy
. Radiation therapists (with Master's and Doctoral degrees) can also prescribe medications and radiation, interpret tests results, perform follow ups, reviews, and provide consultations to cancer patients in the United Kingdom
and Ontario
, Canada
(possibly in Australia in the future as well).
In the United States, radiation therapists have a lower educational requirement (minimum an associate degree of arts even though many graduate with bachelor's degrees) and often require postgraduate education and certification (CMD, Certified Medical Dosimetrist) in order to plan treatments.
Since the course of radiation therapy can extend over several weeks, the radiation therapist is responsible for monitoring the condition of the patient and is required to assess if changes to the treatment plan are required. This is accomplished through patient re-positioning, dose calculations or other specialized methods to compensate for the changes. The therapist is responsible for quality assurance of the radiation treatment. This involves acquiring and recording all parameters needed to deliver the treatment accurately. The therapist ensures that the treatment set-up is correctly administered. The therapist takes imaging studies of the targeted treatment area and reproduces the patient positioning and plan parameters daily. The therapist is responsible for the accuracy of the treatment and uses his/her judgment to ensure quality with regard to all aspects of treatment delivery. During the course of radiation treatment, the patient will most likely develop certain side effects. In such situations, the therapists will communicate these side effects with the radiation oncologist, who may adjust treatment or give medications. Radiation therapists & medical dosimetrists (in many countries these two professions are often indistinguishable, e.g., Canada, Australia, UK) have a training in gross anatomy, physiology, radiation protection, and medical physics. They are highly skilled, highly regarded health care professionals who are integral members of the cancer care team. Radiation therapists call upon their judgment to either continue or cease radiation treatment and ensure patient safety at all times and are regulated by a governing body within their jurisdiction.
Therapeutic radiographers are trained in all the many aspects of radiotherapy including:
Simulation - using specialist x-ray fluoroscopy machines to target the area to be treated whilst minimising the amount of exposure to surrounding healthy tissue;
CT/MR Simulation - producing scans to be used for the planning of a course of radiotherapy;
Computer planning - producing a 3D plan of the dose distribution across the area to be treated;
External beam treatment - using ionising radiation, such as high-energy x-rays, the radiographer delivers accurate doses of radiation to the tumour;
Mould Room - radiographers and technicians in the Mould Room produce immobilisation/beam attenuation devises for those receiving radiotherapy to the head or neck, as well as other custom devices for a patients treatment;
Brachytherapy - the use of small radioactive sources placed on or in tumors to treat to a high dose while avoiding normal tissues;
On treatment review - radiation therapists regularly assess patients while they are undergoing radiotherapy, prescribing drugs to counteract side effects where necessary or referring them on to other health professionals if needed.*http://www.sor.org/public/careerinfo/careers.htm
, a BSRT (Bachelor of Science Radiation Therapy) is being offered at the University of Toronto
and Laurentian University
, and a BMRSc (Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science) in Radiation Therapy is being offered at McMaster University
. In British Columbia
, British Columbia Institute of Technology
offers a BT (Bachelor of Technology) in Radiation Therapy. In Manitoba
, the University of Winnipeg
is offering a BSc Physics (Radiation Therapy). And in New Brunswick
, the University of New Brunswick
offers a BHSc (Bachelor of Health Science) in Radiation Therapy. The first Master of Health Science (Radiation Therapy) in Canada is being offered at the University of Toronto, which prepares practitioners for advanced roles in the radiation therapy clinic.
In Canada, there is no real distinction between Radiation Therapists and Medical Dosimetrists. The title "treatment planner", or just "planner" commonly replaces "dosimetrist". Dosimetrists are commonly radiation therapists with several years of experience and have undergone in-house training. The national professional association has recently introduced a Dosimetry Specialty Certificate program to address the fact there is no specific credential (DSp). Many employers recognize the Certified Medical Dosimetrist qualification from the US (Certified Medical Dosimetrist, CMD), but neither are required for practice.
. UK radiographers are eligible for membership of the Society & College of Radiographers.
Graduate studies at the Masters(Master of Science in Therapeutic Radiography) are also available. Graduates from such programs are seen as advanced practitioners and consultant practitioners and are able to perform many duties which are previously done by physicians. Some radiotherapists proceed to gain their full Master's and Doctoral degrees to work as Consultant Radiotherapists in the UK.
s"*http://www.mrpb.vic.gov.au/http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10204393http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jobs/conditions/classifications/medicalradiationscientists.asp.
According to ASRT's national wage survey done in 2003https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/WSS2004_FullRept.pdf, the state that had the highest mean income for radiation therapists was New Mexico
($120,250), followed by Arkansas
($109,000). The states which had the lowest average pays were Texas
($57,500) and Rhode Island
($58,400).
The average salary of American board certified medical dosimetrists is well over $100,000 according to the AAMD salary report. The typical salary range is from $90,000 (South) to $130,000 (West coast).
In Canada, the hourly wage of radiation therapists from unionized and non-unionized cancer centers range from 31-38$ an hour to start to up to 56$ an hour for senior treatment planning therapists (dosimetrists) and senior radiation therapists, or an annual base wage of $62,000~$74,000 - $110,000http://www.hsaa.ca/agreements_bargaining/r6_capital_health/Alberta_Cancer_Board/acb_draft_collective_agreement.pdf.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, most Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an countries, and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
where the minimum education requirement is often a baccalaureate degree or postgraduate degrees in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control...
. Radiation therapists (with Master's and Doctoral degrees) can also prescribe medications and radiation, interpret tests results, perform follow ups, reviews, and provide consultations to cancer patients in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(possibly in Australia in the future as well).
In the United States, radiation therapists have a lower educational requirement (minimum an associate degree of arts even though many graduate with bachelor's degrees) and often require postgraduate education and certification (CMD, Certified Medical Dosimetrist) in order to plan treatments.
Roles & Responsibilities
Radiation therapists use advanced computer systems to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipments such as Linear Accelerators. The therapist works closely with the Radiation oncologists, Medical Physicists and other members of the health care team. They effectively design and treat the course of radiation treatment, in addition to managing the patient's well-being. Radiation Therapists primarily treat cancer although other disorders and conditions can be managed through the care of radiation therapists. After the radiation oncologist has consulted with the patient and a decision has been reached that the application of radiation will benefit the patient, it then becomes the radiation therapist's responsibility to interpret the prescription and develop a treatment plan for treatment delivery. The process of producing the final plan rests with a group of specialized radiation therapists called dosimetrists.Since the course of radiation therapy can extend over several weeks, the radiation therapist is responsible for monitoring the condition of the patient and is required to assess if changes to the treatment plan are required. This is accomplished through patient re-positioning, dose calculations or other specialized methods to compensate for the changes. The therapist is responsible for quality assurance of the radiation treatment. This involves acquiring and recording all parameters needed to deliver the treatment accurately. The therapist ensures that the treatment set-up is correctly administered. The therapist takes imaging studies of the targeted treatment area and reproduces the patient positioning and plan parameters daily. The therapist is responsible for the accuracy of the treatment and uses his/her judgment to ensure quality with regard to all aspects of treatment delivery. During the course of radiation treatment, the patient will most likely develop certain side effects. In such situations, the therapists will communicate these side effects with the radiation oncologist, who may adjust treatment or give medications. Radiation therapists & medical dosimetrists (in many countries these two professions are often indistinguishable, e.g., Canada, Australia, UK) have a training in gross anatomy, physiology, radiation protection, and medical physics. They are highly skilled, highly regarded health care professionals who are integral members of the cancer care team. Radiation therapists call upon their judgment to either continue or cease radiation treatment and ensure patient safety at all times and are regulated by a governing body within their jurisdiction.
United Kingdom
Therapeutic radiographers play a vital role in the treatment of cancer as the only health professionals\' qualified to plan and deliver radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is used either on its own or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. They manage the patient pathway through the many radiotherapy processes, as outlined below, providing care and support for patients throughout their radiotherapy treatment.Therapeutic radiographers are trained in all the many aspects of radiotherapy including:
Simulation - using specialist x-ray fluoroscopy machines to target the area to be treated whilst minimising the amount of exposure to surrounding healthy tissue;
CT/MR Simulation - producing scans to be used for the planning of a course of radiotherapy;
Computer planning - producing a 3D plan of the dose distribution across the area to be treated;
External beam treatment - using ionising radiation, such as high-energy x-rays, the radiographer delivers accurate doses of radiation to the tumour;
Mould Room - radiographers and technicians in the Mould Room produce immobilisation/beam attenuation devises for those receiving radiotherapy to the head or neck, as well as other custom devices for a patients treatment;
Brachytherapy - the use of small radioactive sources placed on or in tumors to treat to a high dose while avoiding normal tissues;
On treatment review - radiation therapists regularly assess patients while they are undergoing radiotherapy, prescribing drugs to counteract side effects where necessary or referring them on to other health professionals if needed.*http://www.sor.org/public/careerinfo/careers.htm
Canada
Specialist radiation therapists in Ontario are given with prescription rights. Some of the roles of the CSRT (Clinical Specialists Radiation Therapist) include pain management specialists, mycosis fungoides specialists, palliative care specialists, planning image definition and contouring specialist etc.*http://www.ontarioradiationtherapy.ca/Home.aspx?PageID=13&mid=_ctl0_MainMenu__ctl1-menuItem005-subMenu-menuItem001Canada
In Canada, most radiation therapy programs are second entry and the majority of the students have had at least one full year of university courses before entering the programs (many have finished a science or physics degree). In OntarioOntario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, a BSRT (Bachelor of Science Radiation Therapy) is being offered at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
and Laurentian University
Laurentian University
Laurentian University , was incorporated on March 28, 1960, is a mid-sized bilingual university in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada....
, and a BMRSc (Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science) in Radiation Therapy is being offered at McMaster University
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
. In British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, British Columbia Institute of Technology
British Columbia Institute of Technology
The British Columbia Institute of Technology , is a public, coeducational, academic institution of higher education in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The polytechnic has five campuses located in the Metro Vancouver region, with the main campus in Burnaby...
offers a BT (Bachelor of Technology) in Radiation Therapy. In Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, the University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is a public university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that offers undergraduate faculties of art, business and economics, education, science and theology as well as graduate programs. The U of W's founding colleges were Manitoba College and Wesley College, which merged...
is offering a BSc Physics (Radiation Therapy). And in New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
, the University of New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick is a Canadian university located in the province of New Brunswick. UNB is the oldest English language university in Canada and among the first public universities in North America. The university has two main campuses: the original campus founded in 1785 in...
offers a BHSc (Bachelor of Health Science) in Radiation Therapy. The first Master of Health Science (Radiation Therapy) in Canada is being offered at the University of Toronto, which prepares practitioners for advanced roles in the radiation therapy clinic.
In Canada, there is no real distinction between Radiation Therapists and Medical Dosimetrists. The title "treatment planner", or just "planner" commonly replaces "dosimetrist". Dosimetrists are commonly radiation therapists with several years of experience and have undergone in-house training. The national professional association has recently introduced a Dosimetry Specialty Certificate program to address the fact there is no specific credential (DSp). Many employers recognize the Certified Medical Dosimetrist qualification from the US (Certified Medical Dosimetrist, CMD), but neither are required for practice.
United Kingdom
In the UK a BSc in Therapeutic Radiography must be undertaken prior to registration by the UK regulatory authority, the Health Professions CouncilHealth Professions Council
The Health Professions Council is a statutory regulator of 210,000 health professionals from 15 professions in the United Kingdom. It was set up in 2003 under the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002, to replace the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine ....
. UK radiographers are eligible for membership of the Society & College of Radiographers.
Graduate studies at the Masters(Master of Science in Therapeutic Radiography) are also available. Graduates from such programs are seen as advanced practitioners and consultant practitioners and are able to perform many duties which are previously done by physicians. Some radiotherapists proceed to gain their full Master's and Doctoral degrees to work as Consultant Radiotherapists in the UK.
United States
Minimum Education requirement is an associate degree of science, some programs offer bachelor or master's degree of science. In addition there are also alternate pathways to becoming a Radiation therapist in the form of secondary degrees, that result in certification. These certifications are one year programs that result in a certificate, but you must first have a former degree in another field, such as radiologic technologist.Australia & New Zealand
A baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy is required in order to register and practice. In Australia, radiation therapists are often being addressed as "Medical Radiation Practitioners" or "Medical radiation scientistMedical radiation scientist
Medical Radiation Scientists are healthcare professionals who perform complex diagnostic imaging studies on patients or plan and administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. Medical radiation scientists include diagnostic radiographers, nuclear medicine radiographers, magnetic resonance...
s"*http://www.mrpb.vic.gov.au/http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10204393http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jobs/conditions/classifications/medicalradiationscientists.asp.
Salary
In 2008, the mean annual wage of radiation therapists in the United States was $78,290 according to the National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates from the United States Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statisticshttp://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes291124.htm.According to ASRT's national wage survey done in 2003https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/WSS2004_FullRept.pdf, the state that had the highest mean income for radiation therapists was New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
($120,250), followed by Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
($109,000). The states which had the lowest average pays were Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
($57,500) and Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
($58,400).
The average salary of American board certified medical dosimetrists is well over $100,000 according to the AAMD salary report. The typical salary range is from $90,000 (South) to $130,000 (West coast).
In Canada, the hourly wage of radiation therapists from unionized and non-unionized cancer centers range from 31-38$ an hour to start to up to 56$ an hour for senior treatment planning therapists (dosimetrists) and senior radiation therapists, or an annual base wage of $62,000~$74,000 - $110,000http://www.hsaa.ca/agreements_bargaining/r6_capital_health/Alberta_Cancer_Board/acb_draft_collective_agreement.pdf.
See also
- Radiation TherapyRadiation therapyRadiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control...
- Medical PhysicsMedical physicsMedical physics is the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy, although a medical physicist may also work in many other areas of healthcare...
- Radiographer