Radiation Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Radiation Therapist do?

Radiation Therapists play a crucial role in cancer treatment, administering targeted radiation therapy to patients. They operate sophisticated radiation equipment, ensure precise treatment delivery, and monitor patients throughout the process. Working closely with oncologists and medical physicists, Radiation Therapists create treatment plans, explain procedures to patients, and maintain detailed records. The role requires technical expertise, compassion, and the ability to work in a emotionally challenging environment while providing high-quality patient care.

Radiation Therapist: Main duties

Radiation Therapists in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body areas
Operate and maintain radiation therapy equipment
Position patients and equipment to ensure accurate treatment delivery
Explain treatment procedures and potential side effects to patients
Monitor patients during treatment for adverse reactions
Maintain detailed patient treatment records
Collaborate with oncologists and medical physicists on treatment plans
Follow radiation safety protocols and procedures

Radiation Therapist: Key Qualifications

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Radiation Therapy
Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
State licensure (requirements vary by state)
Clinical experience through an accredited program
Ongoing continuing education to maintain certification
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification

Basic Skills and Requirements for Radiation Therapists

Strong technical aptitude for operating complex equipment
Attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Physical stamina and ability to assist patients
Emotional resilience and compassion
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Teamwork and collaboration
Proficiency in medical software and record-keeping systems

Salary Expectations for Radiation Therapists

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Radiation Therapist	Healthcare	100,000 USD

The average salary for a Radiation Therapist in the U.S. is approximately $100,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Radiation Therapists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$125,000
Senior	11+ years	$110,000
Experienced	6-10 years	$100,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$90,000
Entry Level	0-2 years	$75,000

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Radiation Therapist Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists can advance their careers by specializing in specific treatment techniques or technologies. Many progress to senior therapist roles or move into management positions such as Chief Therapist or Department Manager. Some may transition into education, training new therapists or working in academic settings. Others might pursue roles in equipment sales or consulting. With additional education, some therapists move into medical dosimetry, medical physics, or radiation oncology nursing.

Radiation Therapist: Work Environment

Radiation Therapists typically work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, or outpatient clinics. The environment is clean, well-lit, and technology-driven, often involving the use of advanced radiation equipment. Work is usually full-time, and may include evening or weekend shifts to accommodate patient needs. The role can be physically demanding, requiring standing for long periods and assisting patients. Emotional resilience is important, as therapists work closely with patients undergoing challenging treatments.

Radiation Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Become a key player in patient care as a Radiation Therapist. Learn about the job's responsibilities, qualifications, and how you can contribute to life-saving treatments.