Radiation therapy is the administration of radiation to cancer patients in order to induce a positive result such as slowing the growth of cancer cells or even eradicate it completely. Because of this ability, radiation therapy has become one of the major methods in treating cancer alongside chemotherapy. Though the cure for cancer is still being researched, radiation therapy can help in stunting the growth of cancer cells considerably.
What Is The Difference Of Radiation Therapy And Chemotherapy?
As mentioned above, radiation therapy is a modern advancement in medical science in diagnosing and treating cancer. It works by using radiation to destroy or retard the abnormal growth of cancer cells in suffering patients. It is one of the major treatments for cancer, the other one being chemotherapy. Unlike the latter, radiation therapy does not involve invasive administration of chemicals into the body to "kill" cancer cells. Because of this, many are finding radiation therapy more appealing.
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.
Because of this preference of medical facilities, students are forced to continue their studies and acquire their bachelor's degree in radiography, though it is not needed when applying for a license. If one decides to get their bachelors or associate's degree, one must understand that other subjects such as physiology, computer science, human anatomy, writing and even physics will be included.
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.
Online Certification
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.
It is adamant to secure a license before working, especially as radiation therapy is a medical field. Those who want to advance their career in medicine must strive hard to acquire these licenses. Once acquired, it will open the gates of opportunity to aspirants to radiation therapy.
Responsibilities and duties of a radiation therapist
The main responsibility of a radiation therapist is the proper application of ionized radiation to a patient according to the prescription coming from a radiation oncologist. He or she is also responsible for monitoring and documenting the patient's treatment. Providing physical and psychological care to the patient is also expected from a radiation therapist, especially during the length of the radiation procedure.
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?
As mentioned above, radiation therapy is a modern advancement in medical science in diagnosing and treating cancer. It works by using radiation to destroy or retard the abnormal growth of cancer cells in suffering patients. It is one of the major treatments for cancer, the other one being chemotherapy. Unlike the latter, radiation therapy does not involve invasive administration of chemicals into the body to "kill" cancer cells. Because of this, many are finding radiation therapy more appealing.
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.
Because of this preference of medical facilities, students are forced to continue their studies and acquire their bachelor's degree in radiography, though it is not needed when applying for a license. If one decides to get their bachelors or associate's degree, one must understand that other subjects such as physiology, computer science, human anatomy, writing and even physics will be included.
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.
Online Certification
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.
It is adamant to secure a license before working, especially as radiation therapy is a medical field. Those who want to advance their career in medicine must strive hard to acquire these licenses. Once acquired, it will open the gates of opportunity to aspirants to radiation therapy.
Responsibilities and duties of a radiation therapist
The main responsibility of a radiation therapist is the proper application of ionized radiation to a patient according to the prescription coming from a radiation oncologist. He or she is also responsible for monitoring and documenting the patient's treatment. Providing physical and psychological care to the patient is also expected from a radiation therapist, especially during the length of the radiation procedure.
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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