Radiation Therapist vs. Radiographer: What Are the Differences?

Radiation therapists and radiographers are two medical professionals who work with patients undergoing radiation therapy. Both positions require an understanding of the human body and how it responds to radiation, as well as the ability to operate complex machinery. There are, however, several key differences between these two job titles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between radiation therapists and radiographers, and we provide information on what you can expect from each profession.

What is a Radiation Therapist?

Radiation Therapists work with cancer patients to treat their disease by administering radiation therapy. They develop and implement treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs. Radiation Therapists use sophisticated equipment to target radiation at specific areas of the patient’s body while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. They also educate patients on what to expect during treatment and provide emotional support. Radiation Therapists typically work in hospitals, clinics or private practices.

What is a Radiographer?

Radiographers are medical professionals who specialize in using imaging equipment to create diagnostic images of patients’ bodies. They work in hospitals, clinics and private practices and are responsible for positioning patients and equipment to get the best possible image while minimizing exposure to radiation. Radiographers may specialize in a particular type of imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They often work with radiologists, who are doctors who specialize in interpreting diagnostic images. Radiographers must be able to keep calm under pressure and work quickly and efficiently to get the best possible image.

Radiation Therapist vs. Radiographer

Here are the main differences between a radiation therapist and a radiographer.

Job Duties

Although both radiation therapists and radiographers use radiation to treat patients, their daily job duties can differ. As a radiation therapist, your primary responsibility is to administer radiation therapy to patients. This involves preparing patients for treatment, administering the radiation and monitoring patients’ reactions to the radiation. In addition, you may educate patients about their treatments and provide emotional support.

In contrast, radiographers operate the imaging equipment that allows doctors to capture images of patients’ bodies. Using these images, radiographers help physicians identify areas in which to administer radiation therapy. They may also assist with the administration of radiation by preparing patients for treatment and monitoring patients’ reactions to treatment.

Job Requirements

Radiation therapists typically need an associate degree from a radiation therapy program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These programs usually take two years to complete. Some radiation therapists also pursue a bachelor’s degree, which can lead to more advanced positions.

Radiographers typically need an associate degree from a radiography program accredited by the JRCERT. These programs usually take two years to complete. Some radiographers also pursue a bachelor’s degree, which can lead to more advanced positions.

Work Environment

Both radiation therapists and radiographers work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. They may also work for private companies that provide radiology services to patients. Radiation therapists typically work full time during the week, while radiographers often work part time or on an as-needed basis.

Radiation therapists usually work with a team of medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff. Radiographers typically work alone, although they may collaborate with other members of their department.

Skills

Both radiation therapists and radiographers need to have excellent communication skills. Radiation therapists work directly with patients and need to be able to explain the treatment process, answer questions and provide emotional support. Radiographers also interact with patients and need to be able to put them at ease, explain the procedures and answer any questions they may have.

Both of these professionals need to have strong attention to detail. Radiation therapists need to be precise when setting up the machine and positioning the patient for treatment. Radiographers need to be accurate when taking images, as even a small error can result in an unusable image.

Radiation therapists need to have good problem-solving skills. They often need to troubleshoot issues with the machine or make adjustments to the treatment plan based on the patient’s response. Radiographers also need to be able to solve problems, but their focus is typically on finding ways to get the best possible image. This may involve changing the position of the patient or the machine or using different settings on the machine.

Salary

Radiation therapists earn an average salary of $89,677 per year, while radiographers earn an average salary of $65,890 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience the professional has and the type of employer they work for.