Radiation Therapists

The radiation therapist is the radiation oncology health care provider that is responsible for the delivery of the daily radiation treatments. Radiation therapists are skilled medical professionals. Therapists choose their line of work because they like using their technical abilities while caring for people.

Currently, there are many therapists working with Valley Radiotherapy Associates Medical Group (VRA). Each registered radiation therapist (RTT) has completed an accredited 3 to 4 year radiation oncology program. The educational curriculum includes courses such as mathematics, medical terminology, physics, radiation biology, anatomy and physiology, psychology and oncology. In addition to these courses, there is intensive clinical training throughout the 3-4 year program. This hands on training allows the student to be clinically adept upon completion of the program. After graduating, the student must become licensed by the state of California and the national registry, by taking and successfully passing the licensing examinations. Licenses are renewed by evidence of continuing education. This education is received by attending seminars, lectures and conferences, and through working with VRA and their continued leadership in advancement and education.

The radiation therapists use their skills during simulation and when delivering daily treatments. For example, they work with the radiation oncologists in determining the optimal position for an individual's treatment. The therapist may need to craft special treatment devices in order to establish an accurate and reproducible daily treatment set up. Once the simulation is complete, the therapist will work with the patient to determine a mutually agreeable time for the daily treatments. The patient will become very familiar with their therapists and are encouraged to tell them how they are feeling, and to express any concerns they may have. The therapists will be happy to assist in any way possible, or to refer the patient to the radiation oncology team member that will be able to provide them with the care and information they need.