Introduction to a Senior Radiation Therapist
Senior Radiation Therapist is a health professional who uses radiation therapy to diagnose or treat diseases. They usually work with physicians and radiologists.
Certain medical conditions need diverse therapies for them to be diagnosed. For example, internal injuries, cancers, growths, or disorders might require scans and X-rays. This form of therapy is also used in monitoring treatment as well.
To know more about the job description, keep reading.
Who is a Senior Radiation Therapist?
A Senior Radiation Therapist is a Health professional who has been specifically trained to use radiation technologies. He or she uses them for diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment. It is important to note that these professionals do not work alone but with Radiologists and other Radiation Managers. They also work with the instructions of a Physician.
Senior Radiation Therapists often oversee the duties of junior staff in the department. This includes teaching, training, and supervising. Other times, they also partake in these duties themselves.
Additionally, they work in Hospitals, Clinics, and Health care centers. They can also go into private practice, in their Radiation laboratory, as long as they have proper license.
Furthermore, working as one requires some skills and expertise. Some of them include the ability to pay attention to details, good knowledge of the operation of radiation machines, among others.
Also, Senior Radiation Therapists are usually Master’s degree holders. Some however get to practice with just a Bachelor’s degree.
Responsibilities of a Senior Radiation Therapist
A Senior Radiation Therapist has the following duties:
- Assisting in the administration of radiation to specified body parts.
- Ensuring that the right dose of radiation therapy is applied.
- Operating the therapeutic machines and technologies used in therapy.
- Ensuring that these technologies are well functioning.
- Helping patients stay and remain well-positioned during radiation therapy.
- Ensuring that the principles of operations for every machine are followed accordingly.
- Ensuring that all staff and patients are present to adhere to safety precautions and guidelines.
- Overseeing the activities of radiation therapists and other junior staff.
- Documenting every activity carried out.
- Teaching and training junior staff and interns.
Qualifications for practice as a Senior Radiation Therapist
A Senior Radiation Therapist in the United State has to be qualified to gain employment. These qualifications include:
- Firstly, a Bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy or a related field.
- Secondly, a Master’s degree in a related aspect.
- Thirdly, certifications from the American Board of Radiology and
American Board of Medical Physics.
- Furthermore, demonstration of great expertise in handling diagnostic and therapeutic tools is also necessary.
Also, certain skills are necessary when recruiting for the position. They include:
- Physical and mental well-being.
- Ability to pay good attention to details.
- Good communication skills.
- Good documentation skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Listening skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Empathy.
- Patience.
- Teaching skills.
- Compassion, among others.
Salary
A Senior Radiation Therapist’s salary is depends on the place of work; whether they work privately, for other people, or the Government. However, they are well-paid health professionals in the United States. In a year, they can earn up to $156,000. This can even be much higher in some facilities.
Work Environment
A Senior Radiation Therapist usually works in Hospitals, Clinics, Health Centers, and Nursing homes. They can also work privately in their Radiation Laboratories. Usually, they have offices. This is where documentation is done. They mostly spend more time in their protective equipment, supervising the activities of junior staff in the radiation labs.
In the Hospital or health care clinics, they work up to 40 hours a week, and this is on a call basis. Also, they do not work on weekends or public holidays.
Career Path
A Senior Radiation Therapist usually begins with a Bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy. Gaining a Master’s degree or Doctorate can facilitate promotion. These promotions are usually to the positions of Senior Radiation Therapist and the Chief Radiation Therapist.
Conclusion
A Senior Radiation Therapist is a health professional whose duties involve using radiation therapy to diagnose and treat diseases. These diseases can be rumors, cancers, or the like. They can work privately, in healthcare systems, or both.
Additionally, they require appropriate licenses and certifications to be able to practice in the United States.
In conclusion, the career offers the opportunity of being of help to patients in pain and critical conditions. If one is fit and has passion for this, it is a career worth considering.
