Radiation therapists help deliver life-saving cancer treatment while supporting patients through their cancer journey. Learn how to become a radiation therapist in Oregon, including the education, clinical training, certification and licensure required to enter this rewarding profession. 

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted radiation to treat cancer and other conditions. It is one of the most common cancer treatments and may be used on its own or with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other therapies.  

What is a radiation therapist?

A radiation therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who delivers radiation treatment to patients. As part of the cancer care team, radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists and other healthcare professionals to deliver individualized treatment while supporting patients through an important part of their cancer care journey.

What does a radiation therapist do?

Radiation therapists deliver radiation treatments, operate specialized treatment equipment and provide patient care throughout the treatment process. They play a vital role in cancer care.

Their daily work includes:

• Operating linear accelerators and other advanced treatment technology while performing and quality assurance checks
• Educating and supporting patients and their families throughout treatment
• Positioning patients, aligning equipment and verifying images to ensure accurate treatment delivery
• Monitoring patients during treatment and responding to any concerns or side effects
• Maintaining detailed and accurate treatment records
• Communicating and collaborating with members of the radiation oncology interprofessional team

The role combines technical expertise, precision and compassionate patient care.

Steps to become a radiation therapist

Step 1: Complete an accredited radiation therapy program 

Radiation therapists enter the field through completing a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

In Oregon, most employers prefer you to have a B.S. in Radiation Therapy. 
 
OHSU's 23-month, JRCERT-accredited program leads to a B.S. in Radiation Therapy and prepares you for professional practice. Explore OHSU’s program.

Step 2: Complete clinical training

All accredited radiation therapy programs include hands-on clinical training at hospitals or cancer treatment centers. You’ll learn to work directly with patients, use advanced treatment technology and become part of the team guiding people through cancer care.

At OHSU, you’ll complete over 1,500 clinical hours. Classroom learning and clinical training are woven together throughout the lock-step program, so you can immediately apply what you learn in patient care settings.

Explore the program’s curriculum.

Step 3: Pass the ARRT certification exam

After earning your degree, you are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Passing the exam earns you the Registered Technologist in Radiation Therapy credential, R.T.(T.).

OHSU’s program prepares students for certification, with a 97.6% five-year average first-time ARRT exam pass rate. Explore the program’s pass rates.

Step 4: Get your state license

To practice in Oregon, you must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI). Licensure requires proof of your ARRT credential, a background check and payment of applicable fees.

Visit OBMI’s site to learn more.

If you plan to practice in another state, check the state’s licensing requirements.

Radiation therapist salary and job outlook

Radiation therapy is a high-paying career you can enter with a bachelor's degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiation therapists in Oregon earn an average annual salary of more than $131,000.

Demand for radiation therapists is strong. As the U.S. population ages and cancer rates rise among older adults, more patients will need radiation therapy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 900 job openings each year through 2034, largely due to retirements and workers leaving the profession.

Over the past five years, 100% of OHSU Radiation Therapy Program graduates have found a job within a year of graduation. Explore job placement rates.

Career advancement

A bachelor's degree in radiation therapy can open the door to a variety of career paths in patient care, leadership, education and cancer treatment planning. As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize, lead a team or continue your education.

Common career paths include:

• Medical dosimetrist
• Department manager or supervisor
• Clinical educator
• Applications specialist for oncology systems and equipment
• Research or clinical trials

Many radiation therapists continue their education and become medical dosimetrists, expanding their role in cancer treatment planning.