How to become a Radiation Therapist

Official title: Radiation Therapists

Also called: Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist), Dosimetrist, Radiation Therapist (RT), Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT), Registered Radiation Therapist, Staff Radiation Therapist

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Main tasks

• Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
• Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
• Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
• Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
• Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
• Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.

How to become one

Radiation therapists typically need an associate's or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. Most states require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified, which often includes passing a national certification exam.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• College: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 15 universities in the US
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
• Licence: A licence is required in 14 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $105,310 a year The middle half earn $92,060 to $126,340.
• About 17,400 people work in this job now, and about 17,900 are projected by 2035. (+2.8%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Occupational Therapists
• Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Recreational Therapists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Radiation Therapist?

Radiation therapists typically need an associate's or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. Most states require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified, which often includes passing a national certification exam.

How much does a Radiation Therapist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $105,310 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $92,060 to $126,340.

Is a Radiation Therapist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 17,400 to about 17,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Radiation Therapist?

Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Radiation Therapist?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.