A good reason for going to radiation therapy school is so that you can get certified. This is necessary because most jobs in hospitals would require this certification in order for you to work there. Although some states don't require certification, many of them do and it would be in your best interest to get certified since you have a more likely chance of getting hired.
There are two types of certification or radiation therapist degree that you can find in various programs in various radiation therapist schools and that is the one year and two year programs. When the one year course is taken, it is entirely different from the two year course since only the fundamental knowledge is provided in the career hence requiring the supervision from the superior in the performance of the duties and responsibilities. In order to practice the profession a few of the states only require the Associate Degree.
However, more employers especially those in the cities would naturally prefer people who have the Bachelor's Degree since it means more skills and expertise. When applying for employment, a Bachelor's Degree will work best for the person especially if the school from which he graduated from is known for excellence in the field of cancer treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Another way of furthering the studies in this medical profession is the Master's Degree for career advancement for a more superior position in a hospital. Some individuals who want to maximize their career opportunities in the field of research enroll in the Doctorate Degrees to further their education and achievements. In the state of North Carolina, the schools offer only the associate degrees for the therapy course. You can enroll yourself to a community college or to a university.
The schools provide different courses to choose from and you may have a pick among the many courses offered. The choice of the faculties is highly dependent upon the individuals own requirements. There are many criteria that need to be focused in order for you to determine which school meets your expectations, requirements and needs as a student. For individuals who are concerned much with the standards of excellence, they should try to check their SAT scores, the standard classroom size and the number of students they will accept.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Factors that Determine Radiation Therapist Pay
Although many people pursue a career because they enjoy the responsibilities involved, you cannot neglect the salary the the job would pay. Fortunately, in the field of radiation therapy, the pay is not too bad. Pay can vary depending on where you work. Also, your skill level and the number of years that you have been working in this field also play an important factor.
For the inexperienced, the radiation therapist salary is around $50,000; however, it may still vary depending upon the state or city where the hospital or clinic is situated. According the statistics provided, the range of salary of the radiation therapists is from $50,000 to as high as $110,000 annually. Another thing is that most employers will reimburse them for all the continuing education they're going to undergo and offer various perks and benefits aside from the monthly salary as well.
Countries like Australia and Canada have different salary levels for the radiation therapists which is from $35,000 to $91,000 annually. The longer the years of experience the higher the wage becomes and one could expect to receive an annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000 Canadian dollars for an experience of a lot more than five years. Aside from experience in this field, another important factor is the location of the hospital or the clinic. It follows that if the therapists is working in the city or the metropolis, he is bound to earn more than if the hospital is situated in a rural area. The amount of workload and working hours would also affect the salary since overtime and living expenses have to be a part of the computation of the salaries.
Another factor is the education received. The radiation therapist schools provide the required education for the individuals interested in this career for a period of one or two years. When the person enrolls for the one-year course, he is awarded an Associate degree where supervision and control is important during the performance of the job. For the two year program, the therapist has its own independence with regard to decision making process and has more theories and knowledge when it comes to its profession.
For the inexperienced, the radiation therapist salary is around $50,000; however, it may still vary depending upon the state or city where the hospital or clinic is situated. According the statistics provided, the range of salary of the radiation therapists is from $50,000 to as high as $110,000 annually. Another thing is that most employers will reimburse them for all the continuing education they're going to undergo and offer various perks and benefits aside from the monthly salary as well.
Countries like Australia and Canada have different salary levels for the radiation therapists which is from $35,000 to $91,000 annually. The longer the years of experience the higher the wage becomes and one could expect to receive an annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000 Canadian dollars for an experience of a lot more than five years. Aside from experience in this field, another important factor is the location of the hospital or the clinic. It follows that if the therapists is working in the city or the metropolis, he is bound to earn more than if the hospital is situated in a rural area. The amount of workload and working hours would also affect the salary since overtime and living expenses have to be a part of the computation of the salaries.
Another factor is the education received. The radiation therapist schools provide the required education for the individuals interested in this career for a period of one or two years. When the person enrolls for the one-year course, he is awarded an Associate degree where supervision and control is important during the performance of the job. For the two year program, the therapist has its own independence with regard to decision making process and has more theories and knowledge when it comes to its profession.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Radiation Therapist Certification and Training
The field of radiation therapy has exploded in growth the past few years. This is due to the fact that more people are getting cancer than ever before. Choosing a career path in radiation therapy would certainly be a smart choice as you know this field has a lot to offer. Before becoming a radiation therapist, you would have to get training and certification.
Radiation therapist usually work along with the oncology team to treat patients who're in radiation therapy because of cancer. A machine is needed to produce a strong beam to target cancer cells in a certain area on the patient's body. It is the job of a radiation therapist to understand the mechanisms of such machines. Students who don't like to enroll in a bachelor's degree might have the option to complete an associate's degree that is a vocational course. The program not only consists of familiarizing with the machine but they also learn how to assess patient's condition during the radiation therapy.
Therapist should also know how to handle patient who have cancer and their families when it comes to emotions and their psychological aspects. They should also know how to properly execute various treatments being ordered by the oncology physician. They should also be knowledgeable in distinguishing if the machine works properly or is already malfunctioned. Once the student completed the course they are eligible to become a radiation therapist. Every state has its own requirements that makes individuals to be eligible to become a radiation therapist. Each state has different rules when it comes to training programs and certification for radiation therapy.
Lots of states require radiation therapist certification that is obtained in passing an examination. You need to check the rules of the state you are in if you are interested in such career. Being a skilled radiation therapist is possible just by enrolling in various accredited radiation therapist center. These centers or universities will prepare students for them to be ready when they work in the medical field. Students usually begin by enrolling in the accredited institutions and proceed on to work on their career. If students get the right certification and licenses they get more opportunities for employment in various medical institutions. Truly, radiation therapy is a hot career today that can be promising enough.
Radiation therapist usually work along with the oncology team to treat patients who're in radiation therapy because of cancer. A machine is needed to produce a strong beam to target cancer cells in a certain area on the patient's body. It is the job of a radiation therapist to understand the mechanisms of such machines. Students who don't like to enroll in a bachelor's degree might have the option to complete an associate's degree that is a vocational course. The program not only consists of familiarizing with the machine but they also learn how to assess patient's condition during the radiation therapy.
Therapist should also know how to handle patient who have cancer and their families when it comes to emotions and their psychological aspects. They should also know how to properly execute various treatments being ordered by the oncology physician. They should also be knowledgeable in distinguishing if the machine works properly or is already malfunctioned. Once the student completed the course they are eligible to become a radiation therapist. Every state has its own requirements that makes individuals to be eligible to become a radiation therapist. Each state has different rules when it comes to training programs and certification for radiation therapy.
Lots of states require radiation therapist certification that is obtained in passing an examination. You need to check the rules of the state you are in if you are interested in such career. Being a skilled radiation therapist is possible just by enrolling in various accredited radiation therapist center. These centers or universities will prepare students for them to be ready when they work in the medical field. Students usually begin by enrolling in the accredited institutions and proceed on to work on their career. If students get the right certification and licenses they get more opportunities for employment in various medical institutions. Truly, radiation therapy is a hot career today that can be promising enough.
Radiation Therapist Job Responsibilities
Over the years, there has been a growing number of people that get cancer. That is why the field of radiation therapy has grown tremendously. The responsibility of the radiation therapist is to be able to use different radiation treatment devices. For example, the radiation therapist must use the linear accelerator during external beam therapy. The machine shoots a large amount of energy at the cancer cells in hopes of eventually destroying these cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is usually used as a sole treatment in cancer patients but sometimes can be utilized in conjunction with other kinds of therapy like chemotherapy and surgery. Another part of the job description contained in the radiation therapist jobs is related to the treatment phase. The responsibilities of the therapists also include monitoring entire physical condition of the patient including determining whatever adverse effects of the drug has on the patient's condition. It is not only the skills that count but a large amount of empathy in order to provide the emotional support which is deemed very important in this situation.
Patients suffering from cancer need all of the physical and emotional support due to the good amount of stress that they are suffering from during the course of the illness. It is part of the radiation therapist responsibility to take care of the patient's record which includes all the necessary details of the treatment. In administering the patient's record, it is necessary that all information be included especially concerning the drugs and medicines being provided in the treatment and the adverse affects to the patient's condition, if any. There are very relevant details that should be included that are the dates, time and amount of the radiation that has been administered to the patient. It is via patient's record that the other attending physicians and oncologists will know whether the treatment is working well for the patient. This also helps in monitoring the total amount of radiation the patient is exposed to and to keep the harmful effects that radiation brings to a minimum.
The therapists works as the assistant of the medical radiation physicist and other members of the medical team in ascertaining that the best treatments are being provided to the patient through the linear accelerator. The therapist is also the reason for seeing to it that the devices used in the middle of treatment are monitored regularly for any signs of maintenance problems.
Radiation therapy is usually used as a sole treatment in cancer patients but sometimes can be utilized in conjunction with other kinds of therapy like chemotherapy and surgery. Another part of the job description contained in the radiation therapist jobs is related to the treatment phase. The responsibilities of the therapists also include monitoring entire physical condition of the patient including determining whatever adverse effects of the drug has on the patient's condition. It is not only the skills that count but a large amount of empathy in order to provide the emotional support which is deemed very important in this situation.
Patients suffering from cancer need all of the physical and emotional support due to the good amount of stress that they are suffering from during the course of the illness. It is part of the radiation therapist responsibility to take care of the patient's record which includes all the necessary details of the treatment. In administering the patient's record, it is necessary that all information be included especially concerning the drugs and medicines being provided in the treatment and the adverse affects to the patient's condition, if any. There are very relevant details that should be included that are the dates, time and amount of the radiation that has been administered to the patient. It is via patient's record that the other attending physicians and oncologists will know whether the treatment is working well for the patient. This also helps in monitoring the total amount of radiation the patient is exposed to and to keep the harmful effects that radiation brings to a minimum.
The therapists works as the assistant of the medical radiation physicist and other members of the medical team in ascertaining that the best treatments are being provided to the patient through the linear accelerator. The therapist is also the reason for seeing to it that the devices used in the middle of treatment are monitored regularly for any signs of maintenance problems.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Radiation Therapist Training
Most radiation therapy schools have some basic requirements before you can apply. These requirements include having a high school diploma or GED, having a GPA above 2.0, taking an entrance exam, interviewing with the school before being accepted, completing some prerequisite courses including math and science, and also completing the application form for the school.
You may also wish to take radiation therapy courses online. Online courses usually involve lectures, discussions, and tests done online. The benefit of this is that you do not have to travel much and can do everything right on your own computer. However, you will still need to do hands on training through a hospital. Many courses might require that you be in class too in order to do lab work. So for the most part, any class that you can take that is fully online would only be the general education classes.
Radiation Therapist Education Requirements
Different programs vary in the amount of time it takes to complete. Some programs only take 1 year while other can take 4 years. Completing a certification program in radiation therapy takes 1 year while getting a bachelors degree will take 4 years. The certification programs are for those who want to get an entry level job right after graduating. Employers typically would like people that have a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. These degrees could include residency programs at hospitals and clinics.
People that plan on pursuing a graduate degree in radiation therapy would probably work in cancer treatment centers or other research centers. They may also plan on becoming a professor at a college. The requirements for getting into a radiation therapy program can vary depending on the school. Usually the school will require a high school diploma or GED. Requirements for getting a job in radiation therapy can be different for each state. A good way to find out what the requirements are is to call the employer and ask them. For the most part, employers will require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, ARRT certification, internships and clinical experience.
Work experience is very important for becoming a radiation therapist since you would be working with radiation. Most degree programs typically require their students to have hands on training in a clinical environment. Some schools might have cancer treatment centers on their campus where you may work at. If schools do not have a cancer treatment center, they might be connected with other medical centers where you could get some work experience.
Radiation Therapist Salary
The radiation therapist can make anywhere from $22 to $43 per hour. Overtime rates could go from $34 to $56 per hour. The yearly salary of a therapist could be from $47,000 to $85,000. Most of the radiation therapists work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient radiation therapy centers and cancer research centers. Therapists that work in the hospital usually make on the high end of the salary scale than those that work elsewhere. Radiation therapists also get job benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance. For those that want to increase their salary, they can become a supervisor or a chief radiation therapist. A chief radiation therapist can make from $60,000 to $113,000 per year. You may also wish to branch into another field such as the radiation therapy dosimetrist. Their salary can range from $50,000 to $115,000.
The salary of a radiation therapist can vary. Some of the factors that cause the variance include location, level of training, type of program completed, type of employer, and years of experience. For the most part though, the pay for a therapist is fairly high. In order to get the highest possible salary, you should take advanced courses and training programs listed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and American Society of Radiologic Technicians. You should also work in a city that has the biggest difference between cost of living and pay. And finally, try to get a job in the hospital or cancer treatment centers as these places usually pay the most.
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