Radiation Therapy opportunities

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

I know someone considering a Radiation Therapy AA degree program. Would you be so kind as to offer your insights into the availability of jobs? Are they an appreciated part of your team? What makes a good one?

Thanks in advance and bless you for the work you do.

Jules

[dianah, ASN]

A Radiation Therapist would not necessarily be a nurse.

Could be a Radiologic Technologist who has chosen to obtain specialized training as a Radiation Therapist, or could just be someone who took the specialized training to become a Radiation Therapist.

"Radiation therapists work in coordination with radiologists to implement therapeutic treatment plans for patients.

Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients under the instruction of oncologists and radiologists. They work intimately with cancer patients, preparing them for therapy and subsequently monitoring their physical and psychological progress."

above quote from the site

http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-resources/radiation_therapist

Another link that might be helpful: http://education-portal.com/radiation_therapy_schools.html

Suggest your friend do a search for "radiation therapy programs" or schools in his/her area, for more pertinent information.

Hope this is helpful. :)

[Jules A, MSN]

Thank you so much! She found a local community college program and asked me if I knew anything about it. It sounds like she wants to know if this line of work would be more toward hopeful or depressing. I don't have a clue, psych nurse here. :)

[dianah, ASN]

Depends, I think, on her and what she can bring to it, and to her patients.

It could be a fulfilling and rewarding area to work in, for some people.

I was never directly involved with the area, just helped with some female exams and monitored a few critical pts who needed urgent treatments. I worked mainly in Interventional Radiology, Angio, CT, etc.

Can potentially be a depressing area, yes, but think what the pts are going through.

Might be a good idea for her to interview and shadow a Rad. Therapist or two, in her area?

She might want to also check out a Radiologic Technology program.

Could go thru that, might like the general duties, or might like to branch out into Ultrasound, MRI, CT, Nuc Med . . .

Good luck to her, whatever she chooses!

[flyawaybudgi]

Hi, I'm looking for information about radiation therapy salaries.

[dianah, ASN]

Please note they will vary depending on the area in which one works.

Here is one site with information:

Radiation Therapy Technologist (ARRT) Salaries by education, experience, location and more - Salary.com

You may find more by doing a more in-depth online search, particularly in the area in which you live.

[flyawaybudgi]

Hi,

I did look and I did a lot of online reading but I wish there was a general idea of the starting salary in NYC queens li area. On Memorial Sloan Ketterings site it states you can start at 72k or more. And on other sites I hear the starting is 50k and after many years you can go up more. I just wanted to make sure that my chances of getting a decent salary are good but I don't know anyone in this field that can verify. I want to pick a career in the medical field, something I would love with a salary comparable to an rn in ny. Thanks for your help.

[dianah, ASN]

Good luck sleuthing and making your decision!