A radiation therapist, therapeutic radiographer or radiotherapist is an allied health professional who works in the field of radiation oncology.
What exactly does a radiation therapist do?
Radiation therapists operate machines, such as linear accelerators, to deliver concentrated radiation therapy to the region of a patient’s tumor. Radiation treatment can shrink or remove cancers and tumors.
Is it safe to be a radiation therapist?
Although radiation therapists follow safety procedures, they do face some risk of exposure to radiation or radioactive material due to the nature of the career. However, proper safety measures prevent overexposure in the field.
Do Radiation therapists work weekends?
Radiation therapists usually work eight hours per day, five days per week. They may be on-call during the weekends to treat emergency cases.
Below are steps to Become A Radiation Therapist In South Africa
In general, the path to becoming a radiation therapist will look fairly similar from person to person, with minor differences at specific points in time depending on the individual. Consider going through the following steps if you are planning to pursue a career in this field:
STEP ONE: GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL OR OBTAIN A GED (FOUR YEARS)
To begin, aspiring radiation therapists need to complete high school or obtain a GED. This is a requirement for virtually all two- or four-year colleges or universities.
Furthermore, high school students interested in radiation therapy should take classes in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics, not only to learn the material but also to become comfortable managing a significant course load.
Such students may also consider volunteering in a hospital radiation therapy department as observation hours may be required for admission to undergraduate programs in the field.
STEP TWO: EARN A DEGREE (TWO TO FOUR YEARS)
After high school, enroll in an undergraduate degree program in radiation therapy or a closely related major. The minimum requirement to become a certified, registered radiation therapist is an associate degree; however many radiation therapy professionals pursue a four-year undergraduate degree.
The ARRT provides a list of ARRT-recognized educational programs from which a student can obtain a relevant and recognized degree necessary for certification in the future.
A candidate’s degree may be in any subject and completed at any time: before, during, or after completion of an accredited radiation therapy educational program.
Depending on an applicant’s educational background, prerequisite coursework in subjects such as human development, English composition, technical writing, math, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, and nutrition may be required prior to enrollment.
STEP THREE: GAIN CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (TIME VARIES)
During the course of a radiation therapy program, students will be required to complete certain clinical requirements in order to obtain a diploma. This may include 15 or more credit-hours working with a registered radiation therapist in a clinical setting.
In addition to this, however, students should also make sure to secure employment related to radiation therapy, which will provide a greater knowledge base and opportunities to develop the skill set needed to qualify for employment opportunities down the road.
STEP FOUR: BECOME ARRT-CERTIFIED AND/OR STATE LICENSED (TIME VARIES)
The South African Registry of Radiologic Technologists (SARRT) offers a credential in radiation therapy: the ARRT (T).
Upon graduation, an individual is then able to register with ARRT to complete an examination, the passing of which is a prerequisite to becoming a certified radiation therapist.
The exam only requires a single day; however, students must submit an application and fee and prepare accordingly, a process that could take months.
Candidates have three years upon completion of educational requirements to apply for ARRT certification and may attempt the exam three times within three years.
Some states require radiation therapists to earn a state license in place of or in addition to ARRT certification. For specific state requirements, contact your state’s licensing entity.
STEP FIVE: SEEK EMPLOYMENT OR ADVANCED STUDIES (VARIES)
Finally, once candidates with at least an associate degree become certified, they are eligible for employment as radiation therapists or with advanced training, as dosimetrists.
Settings that employ the services of radiation professionals include hospitals, cancer centers, and educational institutions.
Depending on the therapist’s career plans, they may go on to obtain further specialization in a subfield, supporting discipline, or related field in order to pursue opportunities in teaching, technical sales, research, or management.
SKILLS AND TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL RADIATION THERAPIST
There is no one specific personality most suited to becoming a successful radiation therapist. However, there are certain personality traits and skills that may help an aspiring radiation therapist fulfill their goals. O*NET lists the following attributes and skills as being potentially useful for someone interested in becoming a radiation therapist:
Critical Thinking: Perhaps most importantly, radiation therapists must be able to assess issues they face and craft logical approaches and solutions given the resources at hand.
Customer and Personal Service Skills: Because radiation therapists work directly with patients undergoing treatments, they should be adept at monitoring patient comfort and satisfaction at all times.
Science, Math, and Medical Knowledge: Radiation therapists must have a solid background in physics, mathematical concepts, and medicine and dentistry, including the types of illnesses treated by radiation therapy.
Operation Monitoring: These therapists must also be able to actively monitor radiation treatments to ensure safety and success.
English Language Abilities: Radiation therapists must have the English-language skills needed to communicate effectively, both with patients and other medical professionals.
Personal Requirements for been a Radiation Therapist In South Africa
interest and ability in science
able to work accurately and neatly
able to communicate well
able to work as part of a team
patience and empathy
How to Enter
Schooling & School Subjects
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:
Pass matric with a Bachelor’s pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university
All applications for admission to MBChB and Medical degrees are subject to selection.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.
What to Study
Radiotherapy Technology or BRadiography (Therapy) – UP, UCT, US, Wits.
Diploma: N.Dip: and B.Tech: Radiography (Therapy) – CUT, CPUT, DUT.
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory for this occupation. Consult the HPCSA website for the most up-to-date information relating to accredited qualifications and registration requirements. This information can be found in the relevant sections under the Professional Board for Radiography & Clinical Technology.
Employment
radiation treatment centres
government and private hospitals and clinics
oncologists (cancer specialists)
How long does it take to become a radiation therapist in South Africa?
Training consists of a 4 year program. There are 2 examinations. Part I includes Anatomy, Radiobiology and Medical Physics, this is written after 6 months of training.
How many years does it take to become a radiation therapist In South Africa?
Becoming a radiation therapist takes between two and four years to obtain your desired degree. An associates degree takes two years to complete, and a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy takes four years to complete.
Where can I study radiation therapy in South Africa?
Radiation Therapy from University of Pretoria has grown to be one of the largest health training institutions in the country and boasts an undergraduate student corps of over 6 000.
Is it hard to become radiation therapist In South Africa?
Radiation therapy can be challenging, just like any other medical career. Yet, most of the challenges can be resolved through education and experience.
How much does it cost to study radiology in South Africa?
A bachelor’s degree in radiography costs about R 218898.00-R 627507.60 or more per year and typically takes two to four years to complete.
Do radiation therapists go to med school In South Africa?
The minimum requirement to become a certified, registered radiation therapist is an associate degree; however many radiation therapy professionals pursue a four-year undergraduate degree.
How long do radiation therapists work a week In South Africa?
Radiation Therapists work in hospitals or cancer treatment centers. Therapists do a considerable amount of lifting, as they must be able to help disabled patients get on and off treatment tables. They also spend most of their time on their feet. Radiation Therapists generally work at least 40 hours a week.
What does a radiation therapist do on a daily basis In South Africa?
Explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment. Protect the patients and themselves from improper exposure to radiation. Determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment. Calibrate and operate the machine to treat the patient with radiation.
How much do radiation therapists make In South Africa?
The national average annual wage of an Radiation therapist is R 1337028.99, according to the BLS, just under R 583728.00 more than the average wage for all occupations, R 758262.68. The principal industry that employs radiation therapists is general medical and surgical hospitals, employing 10,600 of them.