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Radiation Therapist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Can you put people who are ill at ease? Do you have an interest in science, technology, and people? Are you responsible and compassionate? Then you may be able to send out some positive energy as a radiation therapist.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists conduct prescribed radiation treatments for patients with cancer.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Health Care Technologist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Medical Technologist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 3215.3: Radiation Therapists

2006 NOC-S

  • D215: Medical Radiation Technologists

2011 NOC

  • 3215: Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC

  • 3215: Medical radiation technologists

2021 NOC

  • 32121: Medical radiation technologists

2023 OaSIS

  • 32121.03: Radiation therapists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Radiation therapy damages and destroys cancer cells. Radiation treatments may be external (using radiation-emitting equipment such as linear accelerators), or internal (placing radioactive material into body cavities or tissue).

Radiation therapists work closely with other health-care providers (such as radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses, dieticians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists). In general, radiation therapists:

  • Use complex technical equipment and treatment units
  • Plan the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatments
  • Deliver internal and external radiation therapy to patients
  • Construct patient positioning aides and individual treatment devices
  • Educate patients, families, and others about treatments (such as side effects, onsite care, dietary requirements, and available support programs)
  • Support and care for patients during treatment sessions
  • Provide follow-up care
  • Assess patient reactions to treatments
  • Calculate treatment doses for each session
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Work schedules vary. They may include weekday or weekend hours, evenings, or on-call shifts. Radiation therapists may spend long periods of time standing or walking. They have to help lift and move patients. They often handle materials weighing up to 10 kilograms. Radiation therapists must have good hearing. They must also have visual acuity to differentiate between red and green laser lights.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Radiation Therapists

2006 NOC: 3215.3

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with radiation therapy equipment to administer treatments prescribed by radiation oncologists, and to help with the construction of devices such as plaster casts and acrylic moulds used for radiation treatments; and in checking radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation

METHODICAL

Interest in assisting radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with administration of radiation treatment plans and preparation of sealed radioactive materials; and in monitoring patients' physical and psychological well-being during the entire course of treatments

innovative

Interest in compiling information to prepare and administer radiation treatments

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Radiation therapists need:

  • Physical health
  • A sense of responsibility and a high degree of integrity
  • Patience, empathy, and compassion for people of all ages and backgrounds
  • An understanding of cancer patients’ special needs
  • Speaking and listening skills
  • The ability to put people at ease
  • The ability to be highly accurate in their duties
  • Organizational skills
  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team setting

They should enjoy:

  • Using equipment to perform precision tasks
  • Having procedures and standards for their work
  • Pulling information together
  • Working with the public
  • Studying science and technology
  • Keeping their related skills and knowledge up to date

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC: 3215

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 17 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2022 and Jun 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Construction Specialization: Team player
Attention to detail
Health benefits: Dental plan
Security and Safety: Criminal record check
Construction Specialization: Judgement
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners
Construction Specialization: Flexibility
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication
Health benefits: Health care plan 12
Construction Specialization: Team player 11
Attention to detail 11
Health benefits: Dental plan 11
Security and Safety: Criminal record check 10
Construction Specialization: Judgement 9
Health benefits: Vision care benefits 9
Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners 9
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 8
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 8
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

The University of Alberta offers a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Radiation Therapy. The classroom and laboratory component of the program occurs on campus in Edmonton. The clinical component includes 2 parts:

  • A clinical simulation semester on campus
  • Clinical practica in cancer centres with radiation therapy treatment services in Alberta

Program entrance requirements include completion of university equivalent pre-professional education at any post-secondary school. Applicants must also complete a personal interview and write a career reflection letter. Specific pre-professional course requirements are listed on the program website.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

University of Alberta

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Medical Radiation Technologist

Medical radiation technologists may apply ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, and other forms of energy to produce diagnostic images. They then evaluate the technical sufficiency of the images. They may also use those forms of energy for treatment purposes. They assess the medical condition and needs of patients before, during, and after procedures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf] ], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:

  • Meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public
  • Teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession
  • Supervise registered members who provide services to the public

Only those members can use the protected titles and initials of the specialties included in the medical radiation technologist (MRT) register:

  • Radiological technologist or MRT (R)
  • Nuclear medicine technologist or MRT (NM)
  • Radiation therapist or MRT (T)
  • Magnetic resonance technologist or MRT (MR)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Medical Radiation Technologist.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, radiation therapists work for Alberta Health Services - Cancer Care Alberta. They work at the following facilities:

  • Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer
  • Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton
  • Grande Prairie Cancer Centre in Grande Prairie
  • Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge
  • E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (replacing the Tom Baker Centre in 2024) in Calgary
  • University of Alberta (educational program)

In Canada, about 44 cancer care facilities offer radiation therapy.

With time on the job, radiation therapists may advance to more advanced roles in radiation therapy. With further education and time, they may move into management, teaching, or advanced practice.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group, 95.5% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.
  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 46 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Medical radiation technologists

2016 NOC: 3215
Average Wage
$44.02
Per Hour
Average Salary
$75,822.00
Per Year
Average Hours
33
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 3215 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $33.98 $42.35 $35.91 $33.98
Overall $39.02 $51.61 $44.02 $42.84
Top $44.75 $55.41 $47.54 $47.30

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Health Care & Social Assistance
ALL INDUSTRIES $75,822
Health Care & Social Assistance $76,077

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
62%
62%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
33%
33%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
23%
23%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Health Care Services
    • Human and Social Services
  • Mathematics
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: acmdtt.com

Alberta Health Services – Cancer Care Alberta website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/cancer/cancer.aspx

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists website: www.camrt.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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