Is becoming a radiation therapist right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Radiation Therapist
To become a radiation therapist, you'll need to follow a specific educational and licensure path. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a radiation therapist:
- Education: Obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is the basic educational requirement to start your journey. Take courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and math during high school. These subjects provide a strong foundation for your future studies in radiation therapy.
- Earn an Associate Degree: Most radiation therapists hold an Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy from an accredited program. Look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Program Application: Apply to accredited radiation therapy programs. Admission may be competitive, so ensure you meet all the prerequisites and application deadlines.
- Complete Radiation Therapy Program: Once accepted, complete the radiation therapy program. These programs typically take about one to two years to finish and include both classroom instruction and clinical training.
- Clinical Training: Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in a healthcare setting. You'll work under the guidance of experienced radiation therapists and oncologists.
- Certification: Although certification is not always required, many employers prefer certified radiation therapists. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers a certification exam for radiation therapists. Passing this exam demonstrates your expertise in the field.
- State Licensure:- Some states require radiation therapists to obtain a state license to practice. Check with your state's radiation regulatory authority to understand whether licensure is necessary.
- Continuing Education: Even after certification, you'll need to engage in continuing education to stay current with advances in radiation therapy techniques and technologies.
- Job Search: Start looking for job openings in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and other healthcare facilities. Networking and internships during your clinical training can help you discover job opportunities.
- Career Growth: As you gain experience, you can consider advancing your career by pursuing roles such as lead radiation therapist, educator, or supervisor. Additional certifications and higher education can open up these opportunities.
Certifications
There are several certifications that radiation therapists can pursue to demonstrate their expertise and enhance their career prospects. Here are some of the main certifications available for radiation therapists:
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification: ARRT offers a certification specifically for radiation therapists. To become certified, you need to meet the educational requirements and pass the ARRT Radiation Therapy Certification exam. ARRT certification is widely recognized and often preferred by employers.
- State Licensure: While not a certification in the traditional sense, some states require radiation therapists to obtain a state license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state and may include passing a state-specific exam or meeting specific educational and clinical experience criteria.
- Radiation Therapy Advanced Certification (RTTAC): The RTTAC certification is offered by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). It's designed for radiation therapists with significant clinical experience who want to demonstrate their advanced skills and knowledge in the field.
- Certified Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist (CRT D): If you're interested in specializing in treatment planning and dosimetry, you can become a Certified Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist (CRT D) through the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB). This certification requires passing an exam and meeting specific education and experience criteria.
- Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD): The CMD certification, also offered by the MDCB, is for individuals who specialize in treatment planning and dosimetry. While it's not exclusive to radiation therapists, it's a relevant certification for those in the field. It requires passing an exam and fulfilling education and experience requirements.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): While not radiation therapy-specific, some radiation therapists choose to obtain a CCMA certification through organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification can demonstrate your skills in various clinical areas, which can be useful in a healthcare setting.