Radiation Therapist Salary – Good Demand and Future Growth Prospects
Many of you must know how radiation therapy is used to kill malicious tumors from a cancerous body. This therapy has proved its effectiveness in treating a number of cancers. In this therapy, when radiation waves are focused on a target area, ionizing radiation is produced. These ions can reduce the tumor in size and help to get rid of cancerous cells. Used either as the exclusive healing procedure to treat cancer or in combination with other therapies with chemotherapy and/or surgery, it has emerged as a leading and reliable treatment option. It is the task of a radiation therapist sometimes also known as an oncologist (Oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors) to carry out this treatment.
There is a high growth in demand of various jobs in the healthcare sector such as physician assistants, nurses and so on. Radiation therapist is no exception. One can expect good job opportunities in this sector over the next few years. Due to good demand for skilled and experienced personnel, one can make good money in this career. On an average, a radiation therapist salary could be in the range of $75,000 – $80,000 a year. Even if you are a fresher, you can expect $50,000 a year. On the higher end, a radiation therapist can earn more than $100,000 annually. Besides, you stand to receive several other benefits too.
Several factors have an effect on radiation therapist salary. For example, you can expect to make more in cities than in a rural setting. Most jobs are available in hospitals, though a small yet significant number are hired in medical and diagnostic laboratories as well as at physicians too. The best opportunities will favor those who have completed a bachelor’s degree course in radiation therapy, possess a valid license to practice and hold relevant work experience.
It is important to note that there are risks of overexposure to harmful radiation, but these can be eliminated by following standard safety processes. In future, one can expect advance technology to make this treatment safer. If this were to happen, it will boost the number of times physicians recommend this treatment. A person who wishes to take up this career must be sensitive to patient needs. You will be required to assist patients to board and descend tables. You will need to shed any inhibitions you may have. Cancer often develops in private areas of the body and it will be your task to focus the machine on such areas. You will need to talk to patients and explain them the procedure before proceeding with the therapy. You will need to be on your guard for any undesirable reactions by a patient during the session. For this, you will consistently need to monitor patient’s condition on a TV screen. For all these, radiation therapist salary is also proportionately high.
Conclusion:
Radiation therapist salary and number of jobs are expected to grow in the future. If you have the right aptitude for this job, you can take a course in radiation therapy. It will prove a rewarding career in terms of money and job satisfaction.