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Radiation Therapists
The radiation therapist is the radiation oncology health care provider that is responsible for
the delivery of the daily radiation treatments. Radiation therapists are skilled medical
professionals. Therapists choose their line of work because they like using their technical
abilities while caring for people.
Each registered radiation therapist (RTT) has completed an accredited radiation oncology
program. The educational curriculum includes courses such as mathematics, medical
terminology, physics, radiation biology, anatomy and physiology, psychology and oncology.
In addition to these courses, there is intensive clinical training throughout the program. This
hands-on training allows the student to be clinically adept upon completion of the program.
After graduating, the student must become licensed by the state of New Jersey and the
national registry, by taking and successfully passing the licensing examinations.
The radiation therapists use their skills during simulation and when delivering daily
treatments. For example, they work with the radiation oncologists in determining the optimal
position for an individual's treatment. The therapist may need to craft special treatment
devices in order to establish an accurate and reproducible daily treatment set up. The patient
will become very familiar with their therapists and are encouraged to tell them how they are
feeling, and to express any concerns they may have. The therapists will be happy to assist
in any way possible, or to refer the patient to the radiation oncology team member that will
be able to provide them with the care and information they need.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medical dosimetrists have training in radiation dosimetry as applied to radiation therapy
patients. They work with physicians and physicists in developing individual treatment plans.
Treatment planning refers to the process of generating the parameters (beam arrangements,
calculations, and other technical factors) that will optimally treat a patient according to the
physician's prescription.
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