Often working as part of an oncology team, radiation therapists administer treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. Although they may spend long hours on their feet and work with seriously ill patients, this is still a
relatively low-stress job
.
How hard is being a radiation therapist?
Radiation therapy
can be challenging
, just like any other medical career. Yet, most of the challenges can be resolved through education and experience. Let's go over some of the challenges you may experience as you enter the field.
What are the cons of being a radiation therapist?
- Physically demanding. Radiation therapists are on their feet all day long and the job can be physically demanding as you help weak or chronically ill patients to and from radiation treatment tables.
- Potentially emotionally difficult.
Is being a radiation therapist safe?
Is Being a Radiation Therapist Dangerous? Although
radiation therapists follow safety procedures
, they do face some risk of exposure to radiation or radioactive material due to the nature of the career. However, proper safety measures prevent overexposure in the field.
Is radiation therapy a dying field 2021?
According to official projections, the
radiation therapy field will be in a state of growth until 2026
. Now is the best time to get started on a radiation therapy degree and a professional career.
Are radiation therapists exposed to a lot of radiation?
Radiation therapists are at some risk of being exposed to radiation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but
exposure is uncommon
. One of the primary responsibilities of radiation therapists is to follow safety procedures to minimize their risk of exposure to harmful levels of radiation.
How much do radiation therapists make?
Becoming a radiation therapist takes
between two and four years
to obtain your desired degree. An associates degree takes two years to complete, and a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy takes four years to complete.
Is radiation Oncology a dying field?
The
general (radiation) oncologist is disappearing
, as is the general surgeon or internist. There is no way to keep up with the literature and treatment techniques of all tumour sites.
How many hours does a radiation therapist work?
Radiation Therapists generally work
at least 40 hours a week
. They normally work during the day. However, because radiation therapy emergencies do occur, some Therapists are required to be on call so may have to work outside their normal hours.
Are radiation therapists doctors?
Radiation therapists
are not doctors
, but are highly trained to operate a variety of sophisticated radiation therapy equipment used in cancer treatment.
Where do Radiation Therapists make the most money?
The states and districts that pay Radiation Therapists the highest mean salary are
California ($119,800)
, New York ($115,150), New Jersey ($106,630), Oregon ($105,810), and Washington ($101,630).
Are Radiation Therapists in demand?
Employment of radiation therapists is projected to
grow 9 percent from 2020
to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,100 openings for radiation therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What major is Radiation Therapy?
To complete a
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree
in Radiation Therapy, you will first complete foundational coursework in math and science. This commonly includes classes in general and organic chemistry, biology, physics and calculus. You will also study anatomy, physiology and medical terminology.
Who is exposed to the most radiation?
| Albert Stevens | Known for Surviving the highest known radiation dose in any human |
|---|
What jobs work with radiation?
Jobs in radiation protection generally fall into one of the following categories:
medical, emergency response, science, research, construction, nuclear power, or waste management
.
Do Radiation therapists get bonuses?
The average Staff Radiation Therapist in the US makes $90,456. The average bonus for a Staff
Radiation Therapist is $1,827
which represents 2% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year.
