$43.30 to $61.93 per hour
Other benefits
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
Radiation therapy degree
Radiation therapists are responsible for delivering therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer. They administer X-rays, gamma rays and electrons to cancer patients. Radiation therapists plan the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatments and operate complex equipment to deliver high energy radiation therapy to patients. They assess, monitor, document and respond to patients’ physical and emotional needs/reactions during the treatment sessions. Radiation therapists also educate patients and families about radiation treatments and potential side effects.
Radiation therapists calculate appropriate radiation doses for treatment plans and perform treatment verification. They are responsible for quality assurance and maintenance procedures for the equipment they use. In addition, radiation therapists may provide leadership and guidance to other cancer care personnel and health care workers and participate in clinical research.
Radiation therapists work primarily in cancer care facilities. They collaborate with therapists, technologists, physicians, medical physicists, nurses and other health care professionals. Radiation therapists are a vital part of the team that provides quality health care to Albertans.
Radiation therapists may work full-time or part-time hours or on a call-in (casual) basis. They can apply for positions that are permanent, temporary or casual depending on department and facility needs. Shift schedules may include a combination of day and evening shifts and sometimes on-call duty.
Radiation therapists spend a lot of time standing, reaching, lifting, bending and pushing and pulling equipment and supplies during their shifts. They may be exposed to chemicals, radiation, biohazardous materials and other potential safety risks on the job. In addition, they may work in challenging and stressful circumstances, such as in an emergency situation.
