Radiation therapists are an essential part of the cancer care team, providing both technical expertise and compassionate support to patients undergoing treatment. Their dedication to patient care often goes unrecognized, but their impact is profound. At Alliance Cancer Care, we value and celebrate the vital work of our radiation therapists every day.
What Do Radiation Therapists Do?
Radiation therapists play a crucial role in delivering precise and accurate radiation treatments. Their responsibilities include:
- Administering Radiation Therapy: They ensure that the correct dose of radiation is delivered to the targeted area, following detailed treatment plans created by radiation oncologists.
- Operating Advanced Equipment: From linear accelerators to imaging systems, radiation therapists are skilled in using complex technology to deliver treatment safely and effectively.
- Supporting Patients: Treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Radiation therapists offer reassurance, answer questions, and help patients feel more comfortable during sessions.
- Monitoring Patient Progress: They observe and document patients’ responses to treatment, reporting any side effects or concerns to the medical team.
Radiation Therapists vs. Radiologic Technologists
While both radiation therapists and radiologic technologists work with medical imaging and radiation, their roles differ significantly:
- Radiation Therapists specialize in delivering targeted radiation treatments for cancer patients, working directly with oncologists to ensure precise therapy.
- Radiologic Technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions.
- Training and Certification: Radiation therapists typically complete specialized training in radiation oncology, while radiologic technologists focus on diagnostic imaging techniques.
Training and Expertise
Radiation therapists undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure they deliver the highest standard of care. They possess a unique combination of medical knowledge, technical proficiency, and interpersonal skills, making them invaluable members of the cancer care team.
To offer more insight into the profession, we spoke with Erin Mize, a radiation therapist who has been with Alliance Cancer Care for over 20 years.
Meet Erin Mize, Radiation Therapist
What is your favorite part of being a therapist?
“My favorite part of being a radiation therapist is using my expertise to help someone fight cancer. I’ve had patients ask how I can do such an emotionally challenging job. The answer is: it isn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t do anything else. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many people in meaningful ways. It’s the highest honor to have a patient finish treatment and say they’ll miss seeing us — that we made it a good experience for them. I also cherish the bond I have with my amazing coworkers.”
“I love the pace of the job, too. I don’t think I could work a traditional office job behind a desk. I like to be busy and on my feet, problem-solving. You’ll never hear me say I had a boring day! And I love that my job is always evolving as technology advances. We’re constantly learning new skills.”
Why did you choose to become a therapist?
“I started college at UAB in 2002 unsure of my major — I considered English and social work — but once I took anatomy and physiology, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. I thought about pre-med but couldn’t afford ten more years of school. My dad was a radiation therapist and later a manager for over 30 years, so I had some exposure to the field (pun intended!). After taking college physics, I really started considering radiation oncology.”
“I wasn’t a stellar student in high school, but I thrived in college and loved physics. I even considered medical physics but wanted a more patient-facing career. A good friend of mine was in the radiography program at UAB, so I looked into Allied Health programs and ultimately chose radiation therapy. It was important to me to be part of a team and to build real relationships with patients.”
What advice do you have for a patient starting treatment?
“Don’t hesitate to ask us questions — that’s what we’re here for! Let us be your resource throughout this process. The internet can be helpful but also overwhelming; we can give you the most accurate, up-to-date information tailored to you.”
“Take care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated, and try to keep your normal routine — it can provide a sense of stability during a time that feels anything but normal. That said, listen to your body and rest when you need to. And give yourself grace. This is a physically and mentally demanding time. You may not look or feel like yourself — and that’s okay. Ask for help. Your friends and family want to support you. Let them. And let us know how we can help, too — we’re here for you.”
At Alliance Cancer Care, we’re proud of team members like Erin who bring skill, compassion, and heart to every patient interaction. Radiation therapists are more than technicians — they are advocates, encouragers, and healers. Their work touches lives in extraordinary ways every day.