How to Get a Job as a Radiation Therapist in 2021
Over 14 million Americans are living with cancer and approximately 42% percent of men and 37% of women will develop some type of cancer in their lifetime. Advancements in medical technology throughout the years have helped catch, treat, and cure cancer, and healthcare professionals are in high demand. If you are highly compassionate and want to make an impact in the lives of cancer patients, consider becoming a radiation therapist. The most valuable radiation therapists have high attention to detail and are great communicators. Download JobFlare today and prove to employers that you’ve got the skills it takes to succeed!
Radiation therapists are allied health professionals that work in the field of oncology, the study of cancer. They are responsible for administering radiation treatments to patients, explaining treatment plans to patients, maintaining medical records, protecting patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, and providing emotional support for patients throughout their treatment. Radiation therapists work on a team comprised of radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, and medical physicists to provide life-saving care. Radiation therapists are often a critical part of a cancer patient’s support system, and as their care provider, you are with them for every radiation treatment they undergo.
As a radiation therapist, you’ll likely work in a hospital, oncology center, outpatient clinic, or cancer treatment facility. You’ll be in charge of maintaining and operating treatment technologies, like linear accelerators, MRI machines, CT scanners, and other state-of-the-art equipment. Because of medical advancements, you will need continued education throughout your career, so it’s important to have a strong background in science and a love for learning. Most importantly, as a radiation therapist you will make a huge impact on the lives of others and their families every day.
Radiation Therapist
US Median Salary
$80,160/year or $38.54/hour
Education Requirements
– Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy from an ARRT accredited program
– Pass the ARRT Radiation Therapy Board exam
– Radiation therapist licence, depending on your state’s laws
You'd be great for this position if...
– You’re empathetic
– You work well on a team
– People are quick to trust you
– You’re conscientious
– You like helping others
– You want to be on the cutting edge of medical advancements
You'd be great for this position if...
– You’re empathetic
– You work well on a team
– People are quick to trust you
– You’re conscientious
– You like helping others
– You want to be on the cutting edge of medical advancements
Resume Tips for Radiation Therapists
To have a successful career as a radiation therapist, there are certain skills that hiring managers know to look for. Take inventory of these important qualities and emphasize them in your resume:
- Solid interpersonal skills
- Familiar with medical terminology
- Detail-oriented
- Comfortable with technology, math, and science
- Highly adaptable
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Active listening
- Proven dependability
If you don’t have much on-the-job experience, include things like…
- Volunteer activities, especially working with patients at hospitals or nursing homes
- A skills list that details the techniques and technologies you are familiar with
- Any experience from internships or shadowing during your schooling
- Involvement with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the American Society for Radiation Oncology
- Any additional strengths, like conflict resolution, organizational skills, or being multilingual
If you’re still feeling stuck on what skills to list in your resume, check the job description! Hiring managers list the key qualities they’re looking for, so you can score serious points for including them.
Interview Pointers for Radiation Therapists
Prior to your interview, be sure to think of examples of personal experience applicable to the role:
- Talk about why you want to become a radiation therapist. What drove you to choose this profession?
- Give an example of a time when you thrived as part of a team.
- Describe a time when you had to carefully communicate sensitive or discouraging information to someone.
- Explain why you feel you are a good fit to be a radiation therapist. What key qualities do you possess that will make you excel in the position?
- Be prepared for to show what you know! Your interviewer may ask you to explain some key technical functionalities, like the difference between a CT scan and an MRI, or what the signs of radiation poisoning look like.
Be prepared to answer questions like:
- How would you deal with a patient who was weakened because of the treatments they are receiving, like chemotherapy?
- What would you do if a patient can’t stay still during a treatment?
- What experience do you have working with different technologies and machines?
Trouble finding Radiation Therapist jobs to apply for? Try searching for these jobs as well!
Radiotherapist • Therapeutic Radiographer • Radiology Technician
