DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-1124 Radiation Therapists
Occupational Description:
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist 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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA | 150 | 35 | $39.28/hr | $0.63/hr | $31.70/hr | $34.07/hr | $37.93/hr | $44.52/hr | $49.81/hr |
| Minnesota | 390 | 154 | $40.81/hr | $0.73/hr | $31.61/hr | $34.45/hr | $39.15/hr | $47.18/hr | $55.15/hr |
| U S | 17,860 | 607 | $44.51/hr | $0.45/hr | $28.80/hr | $34.09/hr | $41.57/hr | $51.41/hr | $62.48/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Dental Assistants | 3,760 | $26.39/hr | N/A |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 2,520 | $33.33/hr | N/A |
| Optometrists | 710 | $59.00/hr | N/A |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 640 | $32.41/hr | N/A |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | 110 | $43.73/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Radiation Therapists
- Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Maintains records, reports, and files as required.
- Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Photographs treated area of patient and processes film.
- Enters data into computer and sets controls to operate and adjust equipment and regulate dosage.
- Prepares equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices, and positions patient according to prescription.
- Acts as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Observes and reassures patient during treatment and reports unusual reactions to physician.
