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Radiation Therapists
(SOC Code : 29-1124)
in California

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Employers are usually looking for candidates with a Associate degree .

Occupational Wages[Top]
AreaYearPeriodHourly MeanHourly by Percentile
25thMedian75th
California 20231st Qtr$70.84$55.46$67.69$0.00

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")[Top]
 AreaEstimated Year-Projected YearEmploymentEmployment ChangeTotal Job Openings
EstimatedProjectedNumberPercent
California 2018 - 20281,2001,40020016.7830

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange[Top]
 
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Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)[Top]
Industry Title
Number of Employers in State of California
Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California
General Medical and Surgical Hos1,51165.9%
Offices of Physicians 58,97418.0%
Outpatient Care Centers 10,3327.2%
Private Colleges, Universities, an1,4804.6%

About Staffing Patterns
 

Training Programs (click on title for more information)[Top]
Program Title
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist

About Training & Apprenticeships
 

About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)[Top]
Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)
Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient`s physician.
Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians` advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients` reactions.

More Tasks for Radiation Therapists


Top Skills used in this Job
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others` reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others` actions.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

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Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)
Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees.

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Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

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Alternate Titles
Radiation Therapy Technologists
 
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