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Profession: Radiation Technologies

Radiation Therapist: Radiation Therapists (also known as Radiographers) are highly skilled medical specialists educated in physics, radiation safety, patient anatomy and patient care. They administer targeted doses of radiation to a patient’s body to treat cancer or other diseases. As the radiation strikes human tissue, it produces highly energized ions that gradually shrink and destroy malignant tumor cells.

Salary Range: $54,710 - $78,550

Salary Notes: Average salaries range from $54,710 to $78,550.

Where you can study:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Boston, MA
University of Vermont Dept. of Medical Laboratory & Radiation Sciences, Burlington, VT

Where you might work:
Community Hospitals - Medical Centers - Physician Offices - Private Clinics - Universities -

Job Outlook: Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow much faster than average through 2016.

Education, Licensing and Certification: Radiation therapists must be team players, have a good foundation in mathematics, biology, and computers, and be able to work with patients. Most states, including Vermont, require radiation therapists to be licensed in order to practice. Graduates of approved programs are eligible to take a national certifying examination. With additional education and training, graduates can become involved with dosimetry.

Professional Organizations:
American Society for Radiation Oncology 800-962-7876 www.astro.org
American Society of Radiologic Technologists 800-444-2778 www.asrt.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 312-704-5300 www.jrcert.org