Radiation Therapists - 29-1124.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Radiation Therapist

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
  • Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
  • Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
  • Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
  • Check for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
  • Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  • Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
  • Enter data into computer and set controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage.
  • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  • Help physicians, radiation oncologists and clinical physicists to prepare physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
  • Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
  • Maintain records, reports and files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings and patients' reactions.
  • Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  • Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
  • Position patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription.
  • Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.
  • Provide assistance to other health care personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
  • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  • Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.
  • Train and supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer injections
  • administer radioactive isotopes
  • calculate medical dosages
  • calculate radiation dosage, following physician's prescription
  • collect clinical data
  • communicate technical information
  • follow clinical radiation safety procedures
  • follow patient care procedures
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • maintain therapy equipment
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • operate radiologic equipment
  • perform safety inspections in health care setting
  • plan therapy treatment program
  • position patient for therapy
  • prepare radioactive isotopes for therapeutic applications
  • take vital signs
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use medical equipment in direct patient care
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings
  • work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses