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Occupation AtlasRadiation Therapists

O*NET · 29-1124.00

Radiation Therapists

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.

Also called Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist) · CT Simulation Therapist · Dosimetrist · Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse (Radiation Oncology RN) · Radiation Oncology RN · Radiation Therapist (RT) · Radiation Therapy Technician · Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
6 more

Radiologic Therapist · Radiology Therapist · Registered Radiation Therapist · RT · RTT · Staff Radiation Therapist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RSI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RSIRealistic · Social · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic4.96
  • S Social4.77
  • I Investigative4.64
  • C Conventional4.48
  • E Enterprising1.72
  • A Artistic1.24

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree50%
  • Bachelor's Degree38%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Social Perceptiveness3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Operations Monitoring3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Speakingbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Service Orientation3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Coordination3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Operation and Control3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Time Management3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Writingbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Instructing3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Quality Control Analysis2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Troubleshooting2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Sciencebasic2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Persuasion2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Selection2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operations Analysis2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Negotiation2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Repairing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

19 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.4.9
  2. Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.4.9
  3. Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.4.9
  4. Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.4.8
  5. Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.4.8
  6. Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.4.8
  7. Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.4.7
  8. Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.4.7
  9. Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.4.6
  10. Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.4.6
  11. 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.4.6
  12. Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.4.5
Show the other 10
  1. Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.4.5
  2. Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.4.5
  3. Photograph treated area of patient and process film.4.4
  4. Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.4.4
  5. Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.4.2
  6. Schedule patients for treatment times.4.2
  7. Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.4.0
  8. Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.4.2
  9. Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.4.0
  10. Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.3.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.65.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Medicine and Dentistry4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Physics3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Mathematics3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Computers and Electronics3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Psychology3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
Show all 33
  • Therapy and Counseling3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Biology3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Administrative3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Administration and Management2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Public Safety and Security2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Mechanical2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Chemistry2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Engineering and Technology2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Philosophy and Theology2.12.6
  • Telecommunications2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Transportation1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Production and Processing1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sales and Marketing1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Geography1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.63.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Expression3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.53.9
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.43.8
  • Speech Clarity3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Recognition3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.13.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Visualization3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Reaction Time2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.8
  • Depth Perception2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Rate Control2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Static Strength2.62.9
  • Memorization2.52.9
  • Response Orientation2.42.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Auditory Attention2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Originality2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Trunk Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Gross Body Coordination2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Stamina2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Sound Localization2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Night Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity1.80.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.9
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.65.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.65.9
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.65.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.65.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.55.7
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Working with Computers4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.34.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.15.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.05.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.65.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.12.7
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.9
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • Physical Proximity4.9
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.8
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Consequence of Error4.5

Technology

20 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Epic Systems
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (14)
  • Beam analysis software
  • Dose unit calculation software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Image processing software
  • Lifeline Software RadCalc
  • Nucletron planning systems
  • Patient management software
  • Procedure scheduling software
  • Radiation dose calculation software
  • Radiation therapy equipment software
  • Sun Nuclear MapCHECK
  • Treatment planning software
  • Virtual simulation software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  2. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
  3. Respiratory Therapists
  4. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  5. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  6. Radiologists
  7. Medical Dosimetrists
  8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
  9. Surgical Assistants
  10. Neurodiagnostic Technologists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.