A Day in the Life as a Radiation Therapy Technologist

The Radiation Therapy Technologist RT (T) is the professional who actually gives the treatment. Radiation Therapy Technologists are specially trained to understand the operation of the treatment machine. The RT (T) treats your child daily, and notifies the Radiation Therapist or nurse if there is a problem. Before the doctor gives the radiation treatment plan, the RT (T) usually takes a CT to scan the area that will be targeted. Once the treatment plan has been set, the RT (T) will carry out the oncologists’ orders and perform the radiation therapy.


Much like a Radiographic Technologist, the Radiation Therapy Tech will set the technical factors on the radiation machine and position the patient on a table. It is extremely important that the RT (T) takes good notes and really pays attention to the patient and his or her parents. The Tech is the oncologists’ eyes and must communicate well with the patient’s team members. The treatments typically take longer than getting a radiographic image or even a CT. The patient preparation and positioning is very important because extremely high-energy x-rays are going to be targeting a specific area on the body and the therapist wants to limit the area of exposure as much as possible.

The Radiation Therapy Tech uses a linear accelerator for the treatment. To begin, the tech positions the patient and adjusts the linear accelerator according to the guidelines established in simulation. Then, from a separate room that is protected from the x-ray radiation, the therapist operates the linear accelerator and monitors the patient's condition through a TV monitor and an intercom system. Treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes and is usually administered once a day, 5 days a week, for 2 to 9 weeks. Because of the extensive treatments – duration and reoccurrence – a relationship is developed with the patient and his or her family. It takes a strong individual to be a successful Radiation Therapy Tech because they have to deal with death often and major side effects on a daily basis. It is very important to maintain a positive attitude and always encourage the patient because he or she is under a lot of stress.

Radiation Therapy Technologists work in hospitals and in cancer treatment centers. They typically work 40-hours a week and only during the day (8am – 6pm). Like I said earlier, it can be a very stressful job because of the side effects and sometimes death. However, it can also be very rewarding to know that you have played a role in saving someone’s life is a special feeling.