DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-1124 Radiation Therapists
Occupational 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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 270 | 29 | $33.99/hr | $1.12/hr | $25.17/hr | $28.20/hr | $33.17/hr | $38.85/hr | $45.70/hr |
| U S | 18,380 | 956 | $38.97/hr | $0.35/hr | $25.15/hr | $30.72/hr | $37.64/hr | $46.21/hr | $55.27/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2010 - 2020 | |
| Dental Assistants | 5,260 | $20.80/hr | 19.0% |
| Dental Hygienists | 4,260 | $34.33/hr | 24.8% |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 940 | $27.05/hr | 29.0% |
| Optometrists | 820 | $42.79/hr | 30.9% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | 280 | $36.37/hr | 26.6% |
Tasks for Radiation Therapists
- Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Maintains records, reports, and files as required.
- Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Photographs treated area of patient and processes film.
- Enters data into computer and sets controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage.
- Prepares equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices, and positions patient according to prescription.
- Acts as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Observes and reassures patient during treatment and reports unusual reactions to physician.