Radiation Therapy Profession
The Radiation Therapy Program at OHSU prepares professional students in the field of Radiation Oncology, a highly specialized branch of medicine that utilities ionizing radiation in the treatment of disease. The Radiation Therapist is a professional member of the Radiation Oncology team which includes physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses and social workers.
Through the combination of didactic and clinical education the program provides Radiation Therapy students with a strong foundation in oncological diseases, physics, patient care and clinical skills. Technical skills gained will allow students to utilize ionizing-radiation producing equipment in the treatment of cancer for both curative and palliative purposes. In addition to meeting the technical requirements, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to provide the appropriate patient care and patient-centered communication to patients and their families experiencing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). As a graduate of a JRCERT accredited program students are eligible for board certification through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students who graduate from the Radiation Therapy Program may also pursue an advanced degree in Medical Dosimetry or Health Administration.
Employment
A radiation therapist may work in a hospital or university-based department, a free-standing oncology clinic, research companies, or even a sales based business. The salary range varies not only with skill level but also with job duties. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the median annual salary for a full-time radiation therapist is over $86,000.
Employment for radiation therapists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years. Job availability exists nationally, both in urban and rural areas.