Medical science is chipping away at cancer.  Thanks to research breakthroughs, survival rates are up and forms of the disease that were once deadly are now curable.  Research has also given us important information about prevention, including the environmental and industrial hazards and life-style factors.  But it is the rare family who has not been touched by this disease, and cancer still remains a major health problem.

Along with advances in initial cancer treatment, there is also an increased need for long-term cancer therapies like radiation.  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a robust growth in job opportunities for certified radiation therapists is projected well into the next decade.

Certified radiation therapists work as a team with radiation oncologists and other medical professionals.  Delivering ionizing radiation with pinpoint precision is exacting work and as the program director of radiation therapy at the Mayo Clinic observes,  “It’s not like an X-ray, where if you slightly mis-position the patient, you can do it over.  You must precisely hit that cancer without damaging healthy tissue nearby.”

In addition to precise nature of the work, there is the human factor.  Unlike many medical technicians and therapists, these folks are on the front line with people dealing with life-threatening disease. Radiation therapists work directly with patients, seeing some on a daily basis.  For many cancer patients, their radiation therapist becomes an important sounding board and trusted confidant.

In most states, the route to becoming a radiation therapist is a two year training program followed a national certification examination that is given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  In some states radiation therapists are require to be licensed as well.  The intense nature of the training and certification puts candidates just a couple of semesters short of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree, so many candidates are opting to stay in school to get their diploma.

A career as a radiation therapist offers both monetary and personal rewards.  Because certified radiation therapists are in demand, the pay scale and benefits packages offered by clinics and hospitals are very attractive.  Then there is the satisfaction of being part of a patient’s recovery and the opportunity to be part of the challenges and advances in cancer treatment.  Top-Colleges offers a wide selection of training programs and can connect you to valuable information on how to finance your education.   Check out the options, and see if a career as a radiation therapist is right for you.