Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists design, plan and administer radiation treatment to cancer patients, and provide related care to patients in conjunction with radiation oncologists or other medical specialists.

Radiation therapists may perform the following tasks:

• provide explanations and information to patients about radiation therapy treatment, its possible side effects and self-care procedures
• coordinate the various activities that make up the patient's treatment and care plan
• use simulators, CT scanners and other medical imaging equipment to identify and define the anatomy to be treated and those to be avoided
• devise a treatment plan that will deliver the optimum radiation dose to the target anatomy and minimise dose to unaffected anatomy
• calculate the treatment machine settings, associated equipment and computer verification systems to deliver the radiation dose as prescribed by the radiation oncologist
• administer and record dosage of the radiation treatment on patients' record sheets
• monitor and assess the patient's wellbeing before, during and after the treatment, taking particular note of side effects of treatment
• participate in research and development activities and clinical trials
• supervise and train students allocated from universities in the practical aspects of radiation therapy.

• interest and ability in science
• attention to detail
• able to work neatly and accurately
• good oral and written communication skills
• able to work as part of a team
• computer skills
• patience and empathy.

Personal Requirements:

Related Jobs:

• Cardiac Technologist
• Medical Imaging Technologist
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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