They operate many kinds of equipment, including high-energy linear accelerators with electron capabilities, simulators, and treatment planning equipment. Radiation Therapists deliver radiation treatments to affected parts of the body using this highly specialized equipment, while protecting the rest of the body from radiation. All of this is done with absolute accuracy. They also monitor the patient's reactions for radiation side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and skin irritation and maintain highly accurate records.
Most radiation therapists are graduates from an accredited program in radiography first.
The radiation therapy program at Jewish Hospital College leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences with a concentration in Radiation Therapy. Another option is the four-year Radiation Therapy Bachelor degree program for students who do not wish to have the initial certification in radiography. This is a four year program which offers two years of general education, one year of radiography, in which the clinical practicum in radiography is significantly decreased, and the final professional year in radiation therapy. In both options, the professional year in radiation therapy is the senior year. This includes all radiation therapy specific courses and clinical practica in radiation therapy.