Radiation Therapist: Duties, Pay, and How to Become One

Radiation therapists administer radiation treatment to patients faced with life-threatening conditions like cancer. Pairing medical knowledge with an expert understanding of the equipment used to provide radiation treatment, radiation therapists play a critical role in both treating and supporting patients as they face a diagnosis that will likely be one of the most important events of their lives.

According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, roughly one in nine Indians will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Additionally, experts anticipate a 12.8 per cent increase in diagnoses from 2020 through 2025 [1].

Access to radiation therapy can dramatically increase patients’ quality of life, with the potential for curative treatments that can help prevent recurrence, spare non-affected organs, and reduce the symptoms associated with advanced disease. If you’re an empathetic and detail-oriented individual looking to enter a patient-facing health care profession, then you might consider pursuing a career as a radiation therapist.  

Explore what radiation therapists are to discover what you might do, how much you could earn, and the qualifications you need to enter the profession to determine if this is the proper career path for you.  

What is a radiation therapist?

Radiation therapists are health care professionals who provide radiation treatment to patients suffering from serious health conditions like cancer. In this job, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping India’s cancer treatment landscape and help improve patient outcomes whilst executing the treatment plan established by radiation oncologists and other health care experts.

As a critical member of an oncology team, you will operate special machinery that targets cancerous tumours and cells using radiation beams composed of photons, protons, or electrons to reduce or even eradicate cancerous tumours. Due to the high levels of radioactive materials you work with, you must operate such machinery remotely to administer doses of radiation to patients from another room safely. Because you work with radiation, you will likely wear dosimeter badges to track your radiation exposure and ensure it remains within safe levels. 

What does a radiation therapist do?

Whilst radiation therapists are focused on treating cancer and other diseases, they must also perform many other duties in their day-to-day work. Some typical responsibilities you can expect include the following: 

• Provide and explain individualised treatment plans to patients and then answer any questions they may have.

• Identify tumours or treatment areas to target cells and position patients correctly to ensure they receive proper treatment.

• Operate and calibrate special equipment to administer radiation treatment.  

• Follow proper protocol to ensure both patients and medical staff don’t receive improper radiation exposure.

• Educate patients on treatment side effects and advise them on ways to alleviate their symptoms. 

• Monitor patient reaction to treatment and advise alternative treatment plans when necessary. 

• Maintain detailed records on patient progress.  

Where do radiation therapists work?

Radiation therapists work in a variety of health care settings. You may work in a hospital setting, or you could find work in physicians’ offices and outpatient centres. As a result, radiation therapists may work full-time in large, busy hospitals or part-time in smaller, more slow-paced medical offices. 

Radiation therapist salary and job outlook 

As a radiation therapist, you can enjoy solid earning potential. According to Glassdoor India’s September 2024 data, the median annual base salary for radiation therapists is ₹4,67,520. However, your precise earnings will vary depending on several factors. For example, if you're new to the field and have less than one year of experience, the median salary is ₹3,01,080. However, the median for those with seven to nine years of experience rises to ₹5,25,408 [2]. 

According to the Indian Journal of Cancer, India continues striving to add radiotherapy units to provide adequate care for the country’s population [3]. This also suggests continued job growth for radiation therapists, which could be promising for those with the necessary skills and education. 

How to become a radiation therapist

Radiation therapists are highly trained medical professionals who administer life-saving treatment to patients suffering from serious medical conditions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the path to joining the profession is one defined by education, training, clinical experience, and professional development. 

The following offers a general framework of what you’ll likely need to do to start working as a radiation therapist in India.  

1. Gain the proper credential. 

In India, you must complete 10+2 with a 50 per cent or better in subjects like maths, biology, chemistry, and physics. You will also need to complete at least two years of radiation therapy training from an Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)-approved institution. You may also pursue a diploma or bachelor's degree in radiotherapy or radiotherapy technology. You could also get a postgraduate degree.

2. Develop your skills. 

Radiation therapists must possess a robust skill set that includes knowledge of human anatomy, health, and the specialised medical equipment they use daily to provide life-saving treatments. 

You must also embody several essential workplace skills to ensure you provide the best treatment possible to patients and emotionally support them as they face a potentially life-threatening illness. Some common interpersonal skills you’ll need to be a successful radiation therapist include: 

• Attention to detail: Radiation therapists must be detail-oriented to ensure that patients receive the exact amount of radiation in the precise spot they need it. 

• Empathy: Radiation therapists must empathise with their patients to ensure they feel supported as they undergo treatment. 

• Communication: As a radiation therapist, you’ll communicate treatment plans clearly to patients and coordinate with other health care professionals to ensure your patients’ needs are met.

3. Get certified. 

To further develop your skills, you might consider getting certified. For example, you might pursue Radiological Safety Officer Certification through the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). You will also likely need to register or gain licensure with the AERB. You might also consider registering as a member of the Indian Society of Radiographers and Technologists (ISRT) and engaging in continuous learning to maintain your credentials. 

Prepare for your future as a radiation therapist

You can make a profound difference for patients suffering from serious illnesses by providing treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve overall treatment outcomes. If this impactful health care job calls out to you, consider beginning your learning journey with a cost-effective online course on Coursera. 

For example, in the University of Sydney’s Life, Health, and Radiation course, you’ll explore what X-rays are, where they come from, their risks, and their benefits. In the University of Michigan’s Anatomy Specialisation, you’ll learn the foundations of human anatomy, including the major organ systems, their functions, and relationships within the body. You’ll find these options and more on Coursera.