In hospitals and cancer clinics, radiation therapists are key members of the cancer treatment team. As part of their professional duty, the full scope of practice for radiation therapists includes:
- Acquiring images (CT/PET/MR/SPECT) for the purpose of treatment planning
- Constructing and fitting accessory devices
- Developing and optimizing dose distributions for treatment
- Administering therapeutic ionizing radiation treatments safely and accurately
- Monitoring patient progress and providing education, support and advice during treatments
In addition, MRTTs can perform five controlled acts, which they are authorized to perform under the Medical Radiation Technology Act. These are:
- Administering substances by injection or inhalation
- Tracheal suctioning of a tracheostomy
- Administering contrast media or putting an instrument, hand or finger beyond the opening of the urethra, beyond the labia majora, beyond the anal verge or into an artificial opening of the body;
- Performing a procedure on tissue below the dermis
- Applying a prescribed form of energy
The Radiation Therapist also plays an important role in counseling patients on possible side effects from treatment and providing advice on how to minimize them. A course of radiation treatment can often take several weeks to complete, which usually results in a special supportive relationship developing between the therapist and the patient and family members.
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