Healthcare Practitioners
Radiation Therapists
Also called: Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist), Dosimetrist, Radiation Therapist (RT), Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
US median pay
$105,310
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
700
17,400 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.
What they do day to day
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
- Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Operations Monitoring3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.2/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Operation and Control3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Instructing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.0/5
- Physics3.8/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree50%
- Bachelor's degree38%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.