Medical Radiation Therapist
251212 · MediumRadiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients with radiation therapy. They may also manage patient records and treatment plans.
Description
Typical work tasks
• Receives referrals to perform radiation treatment of patients; determines appropriate equipment to use; calculates details of procedures such as length and intensity of exposure to radiation, size and strength of dosage of isotopes and settings of recording equipment; explains procedures to patients and answers patients’ queries about processes; ensures patients welfare during procedures; positions patients, screens and equipment preparatory to procedures; conveys findings of procedures to medical practitioners.
Typical work environment
• Works indoors in specialist hospital or private practice medical imaging or mammography departments or in nuclear medicine units.
• Usually works in adequately heated and ventilated spaces.Required to follow health and safety procedures, and wear appropriate protective clothing.
Typical physical and mental demands
• The physical demand is sedentary to medium.
• Standing and walking is frequent within the clinic, when organising materials and equipment, when tending to patients, and when preparing radio-active materials.
• Sitting at an office desk or computer, if used for record-keeping, may be frequent.
• Stretching and reaching across is likely to be occasional when setting up or adjusting equipment ready for radiation treatment or when assisting patients into place.
• Bending is likely to be occasionally required when adjusting equipment.
• Squatting, crouching and kneeling is not likely to be a significant component.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not likely to be a significant component of this job.
• Contact with skin irritants will be mitigated by the use of personal protective equipment and procedures necessary to avoid radiation.
• Lifting, carrying and holding is likely to be on a frequent basis when using medical imaging or nuclear medicine equipment. Technically advanced equipment will be operated from a computer screen and control panel.
• Repetitive movements are necessary except when using a keyboard to type.
• Driving of vehicles is not a significant requirement.
• Use of equipment will include radiation equipment, computers, and office/record-keeping equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include technical problem solving, interpretation, computing, organisational and communication skills.
Requires a substantial formal qualification. A licence or registration is legally required.
How this was determined (model-generated): Radiation therapist: HPCA-regulated under MRT Board, degree + registration/APC required. qualification/required correct.
Entry Requirements
• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.