Radiation Therapist

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: Radiation Therapists (3215.3) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Medical Radiation Technologists (D215) 
• 2011 NOC: Medical radiation technologists (3215) 

Radiation damages and destroys cancer cells. Radiation treatments may be administered externally using radiation-emitting equipment such as linear accelerators, or internally by placing radioactive material into body cavities or tissue.

Radiation therapists work closely with medical specialists such as radiation oncologists and medical physicists. In general, radiation therapists:

• operate complex technical apparatus and treatment units
• plan the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatments
• deliver high-energy radiation therapy to patients
• construct patient positioning aides and individual treatment devices
• educate patients, families and significant others about treatments, side effects, on-site care, dietary requirements and available support programs
• support and care for patients during treatment sessions and implement appropriate follow-up care plans
• assess individual patients' reactions to treatments
• calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.

Working hours may vary including regular weekday hours, evening shifts or on-call shifts. They may spend extended periods standing or walking. Radiation therapists lift and move patients and routinely handle treatment accessories that weigh up to 10 kilograms.

Radiation therapists need the following characteristics:

• good physical health
• a sense of responsibility and a high degree of integrity
• empathy and compassion
• patience and consideration for people of all ages and backgrounds
• an understanding of the special needs of cancer patients
• good communication skills and the ability to put people at ease
• an interest in science and technology
• interest in keeping their skills and knowledge of radiation therapy practices and technology up to date
• the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in their duties
• good organizational skills
• good problem solving and critical thinking skills
• the ability to work well in a team environment.

They should enjoy using equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, having procedures and standards for their work, compiling information and working with the public.

In Alberta, radiation therapists are employed by Alberta Health Services - CancerControl Alberta at the following facilities:

• Tom Baker Centre in Calgary
• Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton
• Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge.

In Canada, there are about 33 cancer care facilities that offer radiation therapy services.

Experienced radiation therapists may advance to senior therapist positions. With additional education and experience, they may move into management or teaching positions.

Radiation therapists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3215: Medical radiation technologists. In Alberta, 94% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.

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

Alberta Health Services - CancerControl Alberta website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/8109.asp

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.