Radiation therapy is a branch of medical science that deals with the positive and beneficial effects of ionized radiation on diseases such as cancer. Currently, the search of the elusive "cure for cancer" drug is still painstakingly pursued by medical researchers all over the world. This means that until such cure is discovered, the major methods of battling cancer is through chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What Is The Difference Of Radiation Therapy And Chemotherapy?
The main difference of the two main treatments for cancer is the methods used. Chemotherapy uses a cocktail of cancer-killing chemicals and is introduced into the body intravenously. Radiation therapy, on the other hand uses ionized radiation to destroy the cancer cells in a patient. Because radiation therapy is less invasive compared to chemotherapy, it is becoming more popular and many cancer patients favor radiation as to chemo.
This led to an increased demand for radiation therapy facilities to accommodate the large scale number of people wanting to receive such treatment. This increased demand gives a large opportunity for students of radiation therapy programs to build a fulfilling career and gain the employment they greatly desire. Currently, radiation therapists are one of the best positions in the medical world today.
Becoming A Radiation Therapist
For one to be a radiation therapist, he or she must first enroll in any radiation therapy program and should be able to accomplish it. These programs are from 1 to 4 years, depending on the level of specialization desired. However, though such programs are enough for a person to be a radiation therapist, most medical facilities prefer therapists which either a bachelors or associate degrees.
Though graduating with a bachelor's degree is not a prerequisite for enrollment in radiation therapy programs, the requirements imposed by most cancer treatment facilities forces an aspiring student to acquire such an educational degree. Upon acquiring a bachelor's or associate degree in radiography, one can easily have a fulfilling career in radiation therapy.
Aside from these courses, one can also enroll in small programs to acquire certificates in order to increase one's chances of employment and also receive better pay. Certification programs such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or AART provide one year short courses for radiation therapy. Remember to always take this short course as it can really help in improving one's career in radiation therapy.
Certification through online courses
With the internet, one can get good education through online courses. This convenience is being used now even by accreditation firms, especially those connected with Universities and colleges. Radiation therapy programs can also be accessed online through sites that provide online courses. This is a really convenient and easy way of getting a certification without the need to attend classes. One can still continue their work and get the certificates needed to advance in their careers.
Acquiring licenses is the next step
Immediately after graduation, one must quickly acquire licenses before employment. In the United States for example, Radiation therapists without licenses are not allowed to practice their profession in 33 states. It is important to really get a hold of licenses and one can do so by accomplishing the AART certification program and passing the national exam.
Just like any profession, without a proper license, one is prohibited to work as a radiation therapist. It is important to be aware of various rules and regulations for practicing radiation therapy in every state or countries abroad to avoid problems. If one can get a license, the door of opportunity will open and the advance of one's career in Radiation Therapy is certain
Responsibilities and duties of a radiation therapist
The radiation therapist is responsible for the proper administration of radiation to a cancer patient. He or she is expected to follow the oncologist's prescription to the letter. Also the therapist is responsible for the accurate and proper documentation and monitoring of the treatment given to the patient. Also, the therapist is required to ensure that the patient is comfortable physically and emotionally throughout the length of the treatment.
Maintenance of radiation equipment is paramount and ensuring that it is in order before application of treatment to avoid mishaps and accidents is compulsory. It is important to ensure that everything is working properly before and after treatment. If one maintains these duties and adheres to it completely, a fulfilling career in radiation therapy is certain.
Becoming a radiation therapist is one of the major medical professions today, especially with the growing number of cancer patients worldwide. As technology continues to improve and medical science inch ever closer to discovering the ultimate cure of cancer, radiation therapy is one of the best chances for cancer patients today. It is the job of a radiation therapist to give not only medical treatment for cancer patients, but also give hope that somehow, even in the direst of situations, everything can turn out fine.
What Is The Difference Of Radiation Therapy And Chemotherapy?
The main difference of the two main treatments for cancer is the methods used. Chemotherapy uses a cocktail of cancer-killing chemicals and is introduced into the body intravenously. Radiation therapy, on the other hand uses ionized radiation to destroy the cancer cells in a patient. Because radiation therapy is less invasive compared to chemotherapy, it is becoming more popular and many cancer patients favor radiation as to chemo.
This led to an increased demand for radiation therapy facilities to accommodate the large scale number of people wanting to receive such treatment. This increased demand gives a large opportunity for students of radiation therapy programs to build a fulfilling career and gain the employment they greatly desire. Currently, radiation therapists are one of the best positions in the medical world today.
Becoming A Radiation Therapist
For one to be a radiation therapist, he or she must first enroll in any radiation therapy program and should be able to accomplish it. These programs are from 1 to 4 years, depending on the level of specialization desired. However, though such programs are enough for a person to be a radiation therapist, most medical facilities prefer therapists which either a bachelors or associate degrees.
Though graduating with a bachelor's degree is not a prerequisite for enrollment in radiation therapy programs, the requirements imposed by most cancer treatment facilities forces an aspiring student to acquire such an educational degree. Upon acquiring a bachelor's or associate degree in radiography, one can easily have a fulfilling career in radiation therapy.
Aside from these courses, one can also enroll in small programs to acquire certificates in order to increase one's chances of employment and also receive better pay. Certification programs such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or AART provide one year short courses for radiation therapy. Remember to always take this short course as it can really help in improving one's career in radiation therapy.
Certification through online courses
With the internet, one can get good education through online courses. This convenience is being used now even by accreditation firms, especially those connected with Universities and colleges. Radiation therapy programs can also be accessed online through sites that provide online courses. This is a really convenient and easy way of getting a certification without the need to attend classes. One can still continue their work and get the certificates needed to advance in their careers.
Acquiring licenses is the next step
Immediately after graduation, one must quickly acquire licenses before employment. In the United States for example, Radiation therapists without licenses are not allowed to practice their profession in 33 states. It is important to really get a hold of licenses and one can do so by accomplishing the AART certification program and passing the national exam.
Just like any profession, without a proper license, one is prohibited to work as a radiation therapist. It is important to be aware of various rules and regulations for practicing radiation therapy in every state or countries abroad to avoid problems. If one can get a license, the door of opportunity will open and the advance of one's career in Radiation Therapy is certain
Responsibilities and duties of a radiation therapist
The radiation therapist is responsible for the proper administration of radiation to a cancer patient. He or she is expected to follow the oncologist's prescription to the letter. Also the therapist is responsible for the accurate and proper documentation and monitoring of the treatment given to the patient. Also, the therapist is required to ensure that the patient is comfortable physically and emotionally throughout the length of the treatment.
Maintenance of radiation equipment is paramount and ensuring that it is in order before application of treatment to avoid mishaps and accidents is compulsory. It is important to ensure that everything is working properly before and after treatment. If one maintains these duties and adheres to it completely, a fulfilling career in radiation therapy is certain.
Becoming a radiation therapist is one of the major medical professions today, especially with the growing number of cancer patients worldwide. As technology continues to improve and medical science inch ever closer to discovering the ultimate cure of cancer, radiation therapy is one of the best chances for cancer patients today. It is the job of a radiation therapist to give not only medical treatment for cancer patients, but also give hope that somehow, even in the direst of situations, everything can turn out fine.
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