Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment, and radiation therapists play a key role in delivering lifesaving care.
If you have a passion for health care and want to make a difference in people’s lives, becoming a radiation therapist could be the perfect career path for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to becoming a radiation therapist in a straightforward manner. We’ll cover education requirements, certifications needed, and some things to consider as you embark on this career journey.
Let’s get started!
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Therapy
The first requirement to become a radiation therapist is obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited radiation therapy program. Most programs take 2-3 years of full-time study to complete.
Few things to know about radiation therapy degree programs is this: Programs integrate classroom instruction with clinical training in radiation oncology departments. This hands-on experience is critical.
Courses cover radiation physics, patient care, treatment planning, radiation biology, and oncology. You’ll learn to safely and effectively deliver radiation treatments.
Look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiation Therapy Technology. This ensures a high-quality education.
Having a bachelor’s opens more career opportunities down the line, such as teaching or management roles. It’s the minimum educational requirement, but also a smart long-term investment.
Pass the ARRT Certification Exam
After graduating with a radiation therapy degree, the next critical step is passing the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
This exam, called the Radiation Therapy Certification Exam, tests your knowledge across key domains like: Radiation physics and dosimetry concepts, Biological and pathological considerations, Treatment planning and procedures, Patient care and safety, and Professional development.
Passing the ARRT exam demonstrates you have the clinical competency and expertise to practice radiation therapy independently. Most states also require ARRT registration to obtain a license.
Prepare thoroughly by reviewing course materials, practicing sample questions, and using study guides endorsed by the ARRT. Having fresh content knowledge will boost your odds of success on test day.
Gain Clinical Experience
While a degree and certification get your foot in the door, continued learning and hands-on practice are just as important. The best radiation therapists stay on top of evolving techniques through:
Clinical rotations – Spend time rotating through different treatment areas like brachytherapy or proton therapy to diversify skills.
Continuing education – Pursue specialized training workshops on new technologies, treatments, and research.
Mentorship – Learn from experienced therapists and oncologists. Ask questions, observe techniques, and discuss challenging cases.
Research participation – Conferences share the latest advances. Volunteering on studies expands knowledge and resume.
Real-world experience is key for delivering sophisticated care with safety and accuracy. Ongoing hands-on learning ensures you provide the highest quality of care as technologies advance.
Consider Specialization
While most start generalists, some radiation therapists choose to specialize in a focused area like: Pediatric oncology – Working with child patients requires extra compassion. Brachytherapy – Implanting radioactive sources directly into tumors versus external beam radiation.
Proton therapy – An advanced type of radiation therapy using protons instead of x-rays. Treatment planning – Designing customized dose plans with 3D modeling software.
Specializing opens doors to more senior roles, publishing research, or teaching opportunities. It takes 1-2 more years of dedicated study beyond general certification. Weigh your clinical interests to determine if specializing enhances your career goals.
Maintain Licensure
After meeting all education and testing requirements, the final step to official practice is obtaining a state license. Licensing ensures radiation therapists meet standards for competency, character, and continuing education set by each state’s regulatory body.
Apply for a license in the state where you’ll practice after verifying requirements. Most states require ARRT registration as part of licensing. Maintain an active license by fulfilling ongoing continuing education credits each period, usually 2 years. License must be renewed before expiration to avoid lapses in legal clinical practice.
Following all state licensing rules is non-negotiable. It’s how therapists demonstrate ongoing commitment to patient safety and ethical, high-quality care.
Land Your First Job
Having the proper education and credentials makes you eligible for jobs as a registered radiation therapist (RRT). The remaining steps are: Apply early – Jobs may be posted 3-6 months in advance due to thorough screening.
Tailor resume/CV – Highlight clinical rotations, research experience, and continuing education relevant to the job. Follow up – Call or email to check on application status and stand out from other candidates.
Prepare for interviews – Research the facility and clinical programs. Have examples of handling difficult patient situations. Ask about mentorship – Inquire if new therapists receive support adapting to a new clinical environment. Consider relocation – Be willing to move for opportunities, especially early in your career.
Advance Your Career
As skills and experience grow, broader career opportunities arise down the line:
- Clinical Specialist – Advance in areas like dosimetry, brachytherapy, or treatment planning.
- Clinical Instructor – Give back by training the next generation of radiation therapists.
- Researcher – Collaborate on studies at academic cancer centers to advance the field.
- Manager – Oversee operations, staffing, and quality assurance for a treatment facility.
- Informatics – Specialize in oncology information systems like treatment planning software.
- Entrepreneurship – Consider owning your own private practice or mobile therapy service one day.
The career evolution is unique to individual interests and strengths. With focus and dedication, endless doors can open as a radiation therapist.
Final Considerations
Although the path takes time and commitment, becoming a radiation therapist is highly rewarding both professionally and personally.
As cancer rates rise, demand for skilled therapists is projected to increase substantially in the coming years. Job security is excellent. Work in hospitals, private clinics, universities, or for mobile therapy companies that travel to rural patients.
Providing comfort and hope during a vulnerable time of life gives deep fulfillment. It’s an exciting area on the leading edge of medical advancements in cancer cures. Expertise is applicable should you wish to pivot to sales, management, or medical physics someday.
The specialized knowledge and direct patient impact of radiation therapy means this career can change and save lives every single day. For those with compassion and intellectual curiosity, it may be a perfect professional fit.