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The radiation therapist functions as a member of the team of physician (Radiation Oncologist), physicist, dosimetrist, and nurse to provide treatment using ionizing radiation sources for patients with malignant and some benign diseases. The radiation therapist is responsible for the daily delivery of the prescribed treatment according to the treatment plan prepared by the 
physician in consultation with the medical physicist. The therapist works with the oncology nurse in the daily assessment of the patient's status and needs during their course of therapy.
Radiation therapists are employed in radiation therapy facilities located in hospitals and freestanding centers. Individuals who have the necessary qualifications may be employed in educational programs sponsored by hospitals, colleges, or other qualified centers. Therapists can function as dosimetrists with additional education or experience. A limited number of positions for certified therapist are available in research facilities of various types.
Visit the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET (29-1124.00 - Radiation Therapists) for additional career information.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook for radiation therapists is expected to increase by 27 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. The growing elderly population is expected to cause an increase in the number of people needing treatment. In addition, as radiation therapy becomes safer and more effective it will be prescribed more often, leading to an increased demand for radiation therapists.
For statistics on salary expectations and additional information on a career in Radiation Therapy visit the Bureau of Labor and Statistics website (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos299.htm).
The Radiation Therapy Program takes great care in its pursuit to select and educate top quality technologists. The items below provide verification of our commitment to this pursuit.
Program graduates sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination. Since 2006, the program has maintained a 100% first attempt pass rate on the ARRT. Below are the average scores of the graduates from the past 5 years. A scaled score of 75 is the minimum passing scores for both exams.
Year |
Program |
National |
Program Mean Scaled score |
National Mean Scaled score |
2011 |
100% |
93% |
88 |
85 |
2010 |
100% |
85.2% |
88 |
82 |
2009 |
100% |
87.6% |
84.6 |
82.2 |
2008 |
100% |
88% |
85.7 |
82.3 |
2007 |
100% |
85.4% |
84.9 |
82.2 |
2006 |
100% |
88.8% |
85.2 |
82.5 |
Graduating Year |
# Pursuing Additional Education Immediately |
Placement Rate * |
2011 |
1 |
100% |
2010 |
2 |
75% |
2009 |
0 |
86% |
2008 |
1 |
100% |
2007 |
0 |
100% |
2006 |
0 |
100% |
*Placement rate is calculated using the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Radiation Therapy Technology (www.jrcert.org) methodology.
Program on-time completion rate and median student debt load information are not listed for the Radiation Therapy Program because of federal privacy issues that state when less than 10 people start or graduate from the program this data cannot be listed. If you have questions or concerns about these topics, please contact Mindi Ten Napel, Program Director (319) 356-8286.
The program has as its goal the preparation of the individual student radiation therapist to assume duties as a member of the health care team of radiation therapist, radiation oncologist, nurse, and physicist. This health care team provides total quality care for each patient undergoing a prescribed course of treatment using ionizing radiation.