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Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists are part of a skilled team that cares for and uses radiation equipment to treat primarily cancer patients.

Tasks & duties

Radiation therapists may do some or all of the following:

work with the radiation oncologist (cancer specialist) to plan and deliver the radiation treatment
take x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans and patients' measurements in order to plan the radiation treatment
use computers to work out the best ways to deliver the radiation treatment, to calculate the amount of radiation given and work out how long the treatment will take to deliver
provide information to patients about their treatment and any expected side effects
make immobilisation devices, such as masks, to keep the body still during treatment
individualise each treatment field to protect areas of the body not requiring treatment
take care of patient needs, for example listen to patient concerns and refer to other health professionals as needed
prepare patients and equipment for treatment
move patients and equipment into position for accuracy of treatment
deliver the radiation treatment using high energy x-ray machines
treat diseases other than cancer with radiation therapy
educate the public and patients about radiation therapy

Specialisations

Radiation therapists can specialise in: treatment planning, simulation/CT scanning, treatment delivery, clinical education and research.

Skills & knowledge

Radiation therapists need to have:

knowledge of radiation treatment methods and the use of radiation equipment
knowledge of radiation physics and how radiation affects the body
knowledge of maths and biology
knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology
knowledge of basic nursing techniques
knowledge of behavioural science
knowledge of research methods
excellent communication skills in order to relate to patients and other staff members
technical skills
computer skills
planning and organisational ability
problem-solving skills

Entry requirements

To become a radiation therapist, you need a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Medical Radiation Therapy from the University of Otago. Clinical training is completed in hospitals with radiation oncology facilities. Hospitals with these facilities are in Auckland, Waikato, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training and useful subjects include English, maths, biology and physics.

Priority is given to applicants who have gained NCEA Level 3 or equivalent English (or an English-rich subject) maths (statistics or calculus), biology or physics.

Tertiary education

A Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Medical Radiation Therapy from the University of Otago is required to become fully qualified as a radiation therapist.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Radiation therapists can attend conferences, workshops and tutorials. They may also undertake postgraduate study. The University of Otago offers postgraduate distance learning programmes in radiation therapy through the University of Sydney.

Registration

Radiation therapists must be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board before they can practise.

Useful experience

Useful experience includes work helping people, work in hospitals, and working with organisations that liaise with people with cancer, for example Canteen or the Cancer Society.