Radiation Therapist Programs & Certification
- What Does a Radiation Therapist Do?
- What You’ll Learn in Radiation Therapy School
- Education & Program Options
- Skills You’ll Need to Succeed
- Certification & Licensure
- How to Become a Radiation Therapist
- Professional Associations & Resources
- Career Paths
- Related Healthcare Careers
- Find Radiation Therapist Programs Near You
Deliver hope through precision care. Radiation therapists operate specialized equipment to administer targeted radiation treatments for cancer and other medical conditions. This 2025 guide explains how to train, certify, and start a meaningful career in radiation therapy.
What Does a Radiation Therapist Do?
Radiation therapists work as part of oncology teams to deliver controlled doses of radiation to patients, ensuring safety, accuracy, and compassion throughout the treatment process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Positioning patients accurately for each radiation session
- Operating linear accelerators and other radiation equipment
- Monitoring patients for side effects or discomfort during treatment
- Maintaining precise treatment records and dosage calculations
- Collaborating with radiation oncologists and medical physicists
- Adhering to radiation safety and quality control standards
Radiation therapists primarily work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient clinics.
What You’ll Learn in Radiation Therapy School
Radiation therapy programs teach anatomy, radiation physics, treatment planning, and patient care through both classroom study and clinical rotations.
Core subjects include:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding organ systems and tumor sites
- Radiation Physics: Principles of energy, exposure, and equipment operation
- Dosimetry & Treatment Planning: Calculating dosage and field placement
- Oncology & Pathology: Cancer biology and types of malignancies
- Patient Care & Communication: Compassionate interaction and monitoring
- Radiation Protection: Safety standards for patients and healthcare teams
- Clinical Practicum: Hands-on experience in treatment centers
Students gain technical and emotional readiness to care for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Education & Program Options
Radiation therapy education is typically offered through associate or bachelor’s degree programs accredited by JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology).
Training pathways include:
- Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy (2 years): Entry-level route with clinical training
- Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy (4 years): Offers advanced study and leadership potential
- Certificate Programs: For certified radiologic technologists seeking specialization
- Online or Hybrid Programs: Didactic coursework online with local clinical experience
Completion of an accredited program qualifies graduates to take the ARRT certification exam.
Skills You’ll Need to Succeed
Radiation therapists combine technical precision with empathy and strong interpersonal skills.
Top qualities include:
- Attention to detail and accuracy in dosage and positioning
- Calm and caring communication with patients
- Knowledge of radiation safety and physics
- Problem-solving and teamwork in clinical environments
- Emotional resilience and professionalism
These traits help ensure safe, compassionate care during each stage of treatment.
Certification & Licensure
Certification and licensure are required in nearly all states for radiation therapists.
Steps to certification:
- Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy program
- Pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam
- Apply for state licensure, where required
- Maintain certification through continuing education every two years
ARRT certification validates clinical competence and professional ethics in the field.
How to Become a Radiation Therapist
- Earn a high school diploma or GED with strong science coursework
- Complete an accredited degree program in radiation therapy
- Gain clinical experience through supervised rotations
- Pass the ARRT certification exam
- Apply for state licensure
- Begin working in hospitals or oncology centers
Some professionals pursue advanced study in medical dosimetry or radiation oncology management.
Radiation Therapist Salary & Job Outlook
Based on BLS occupation: Radiation Therapists (29-1124)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.
Mean Pay (2024)
Wage Percentiles
Employment Outlook
Employment: 19,200 → 19,600 jobs by 2034 (2.1%)
900 projected openings each year
Additional Details
- Share of U.S. Employment
- 0.0%
- Employment per 1,000 Jobs
- 0.12
- Employment RSE
- 6.7%
- Projected Annual Openings
- 900
As cancer treatment technology advances, radiation therapists are in high demand nationwide. Employment growth remains steady, with strong pay and job satisfaction.
Professional Associations & Resources
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): Certification and CE requirements
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): Professional membership and education
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): Program accreditation database
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG): Research and continuing education
Career Paths
With experience and additional education, radiation therapists can advance into:
- Lead Radiation Therapist or Chief Therapist
- Medical Dosimetrist
- Radiation Oncology Manager
- Clinical Educator or Program Director
- Medical Physicist (with advanced degree)
These roles combine leadership, teaching, and clinical expertise.
Related Healthcare Careers
- Radiologic Technologist
- MRI Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Medical Technologist
- Healthcare Administrator
Find Radiation Therapist Programs Near You
Ready to start a career in medical imaging and cancer treatment?
Compare accredited radiation therapy programs near you and take the first step toward becoming a certified radiation therapist.
Related: Best Healthcare Schools · Medical Salary by State
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