Salary Range
Low (10th %)$72,280
Median$98,300
High (90th %)$136,910
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Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
The occupation of Radiation Therapists has an automation risk of 42.7%, with a closely related base risk of 43.2%. This elevated risk is primarily attributed to the repetitive and protocol-driven nature of many core tasks in the field. The three most automatable tasks include accurately positioning patients for treatment as prescribed, administering radiation doses with specialized equipment, and rigorously following established radiation protection principles for patients and staff. Advances in robotics and machine vision are making it increasingly feasible for machines to handle these process-oriented activities with high precision and reliability, reducing the reliance on human intervention in routine operations. However, not all aspects of the job are easily replaced by automation. The most resistant tasks involve more complex handling and situational judgment, such as assisting in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials for treatment, managing the storage and sterilization of special applicators for radioactive substances, and implementing appropriate follow-up care plans for patients. These tasks require a combination of regulatory knowledge, manual dexterity, and empathetic consideration that technology currently struggles to replicate. The complexity and variability involved in these responsibilities serve as significant barriers to full automation, preserving a vital human role within the profession. The remaining human advantage in the field is further highlighted by relatively low bottleneck skill percentages for originality (2.3% and 2.6%). This means that while some degree of creative problem-solving is involved, it is not the dominant skill needed for most tasks, making portions of the job susceptible to automation. However, where originality is necessary—such as adapting procedures to unique patient needs or devising tailored care plans—the limitations of AI and automation become more pronounced. As technology progresses, radiation therapists will continue to play a crucial role, especially in areas demanding human nuance, adaptability, and safety oversight, even as the more routine aspects of their duties face increasing automation risk.
Filter by Automatable Status
Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
Non-Automatable
Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
Non-Automatable
Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
Partially Automatable
Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
Non-Automatable
Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
Automatable
Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
Partially Automatable
Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
Non-Automatable
Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
Partially Automatable
Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
Partially Automatable
Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
Partially Automatable
Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
Partially Automatable
Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
Automatable
Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
Non-Automatable
Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
Partially Automatable
Schedule patients for treatment times.
Automatable
Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Partially Automatable
Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
Partially Automatable
Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
Partially Automatable
Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.
Non-Automatable
Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
Non-Automatable
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
Non-Automatable
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordination
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingLaw and Government
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Patient management softwareEpic SystemsElectronic medical record EMR softwareWeb browser softwareImage processing softwareBeam analysis softwareDose unit calculation softwareNucletron planning systemsProcedure scheduling softwareSun Nuclear MapCHECKTreatment planning softwareVirtual simulation softwareEclipse IDEEpic SystemsElectronic medical record EMR softwareImage processing softwareBeam analysis softwareDose unit calculation softwarePatient management softwareNucletron planning systemsProcedure scheduling softwareSun Nuclear MapCHECKTreatment planning softwareVirtual simulation softwareWeb browser softwareRadiation therapy equipment softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareEclipse IDERadiation dose calculation softwareRadiation dose calculation softwareRadiation therapy equipment softwareLifeline Software RadCalcLifeline Software RadCalcMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Physical Therapists
Medium36.93%
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Respiratory Therapists
Low32.47%
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Cardiologists
Medium38.46%
Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Radiologists
Medium41.85%
Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. May perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Medium37.64%
Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Medium45.83%
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Medium39.41%
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Medium47.86%
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Medium43.68%
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Medium39.05%
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medium49.20%
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Paramedics
Low19.23%
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Medium46.30%
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
Surgical Assistants
Low14.08%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Low32.46%
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Low22.30%
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Physical Therapist Aides
Low24.73%
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Exercise Physiologists
Medium48.16%
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Medium43.00%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Massage Therapists
Low22.89%
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Endoscopy Technicians
Low20.63%
Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.