Radiation therapist

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The radiation therapist is a health care professional who manages the details of the radiation process. Radiation therapists use advanced computer systems to operate sophisticated radiation therapy equipment. The therapist works closely with the radiation oncologist, patients and other members of the health care team. They effectively plan, treat and manage the patient's well-being during the course of radiation treatment. 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 specialised 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 judgments to ensure quality with regards 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 use their medical knowledge to provide management strategies to minimize the impact of those side effects to the patient.

Radiation therapists have a strong grasp of gross anatomy, physiology, radiation biology and protection. 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.

A common misnomer for Radiation Therapists are "radiation technician" or "radiation therapy technicians" which are reserved for those who maintain radiation therapy machines.

Education required is generally a High School diploma with two years of technical school, culminating in a certificate. Although there are programs that offer an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent. Further study at the Masters level (M.Sc. in Therapeutic Radiography) is available in Canada, the United States, the UK and in Australia for positions in advanced practice and teaching.