Licensure/Certification Radiation therapy technologists must be licensed in the state of Florida. Applicants must graduate from a program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and success- fully pass the radiation therapy technology examination. Voluntary certification is available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT registry/certification is valid through- out the United States, but the Radiation Therapy Technologists license is only valid in the state of Florida. Continuing education hours are required every two years for license renewal. Salary The 2006 average Florida hourly wage for radiation therapists was $31.81. Educational Programs Certificate Broward Community College Halifax Medical Center Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus Okaloosa-Walton College Radiation Therapy Technology School, Inc. St. Vincent's Healthcare Associate Degree Broward Community College Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus Med Vance Institute Med Vance Institute - Miami Campus Med Vance Institute - Palm Springs Campus Miami-Dade College Bachelor's Degree University of Central Florida Professional Associations American Society of Radiologic Technologists

The radiation therapy technologist (RTT or Radiation Therapist) treats diseases by exposing specified sites on patients’ bodies to ionizing radiation. Daily interaction with very ill individuals provides special challenges in caregiving.

RTTs work under the supervision of radiation oncologists (physicians who use radiation to treat cancer) in the management, control, and care of patients receiving radiation therapy.

Primary responsibilities of RTTs are:

• administering radiation therapy by exposing specific areas of the patient's body to prescribed doses of radiation, and repositioning the patient as needed during the procedure
• monitoring and reporting patients' side effects or adverse reactions such as vomiting and hair loss to physicians

• performing quality controls on the equipment
• assisting in the treatment planning procedures, including tumor localization and dosimetry (calculation of the radiation dosage that patients are prescribed)
• preparing and handling radioactive materials used in the treatment
• RTTs must maintain radiation safety for patients, clinical personnel, and themselves while carrying out duties

Work Environment
RTTs work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and private offices. Radiation hazards exist, but are minimized by adhering to strict procedures and using protective equipment.

Job Outlook
The number of Radiation Therapists employed in Florida in 2006 was 627. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 739. This represents an annual average growth rate of 2.2 percent.

Length of Training/Requirements
Two-year associate degree programs are available for high school graduates. Graduates of accredited programs may pursue approved one-year programs to certify as radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists. Four-year bachelor's degree programs are also available. The curriculum includes courses in oncologic pathology, radiation oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, radiation protection, radiographic imaging, clinical dosimetry, and practicum.

Advancement
With additional education and experience, radiation therapy technologists can specialize in medical dosimetry.