The document provides an overview of a career in radiation therapy, detailing the steps for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including patient evaluation and simulation procedures. It outlines the college curriculum for training radiation therapy professionals, covering key courses and practical experiences. Additionally, it discusses the positive and negative aspects of the job, potential career advancement opportunities, and the importance of state certification.

1. Radiation Therapy
Michael Eissfeld RT(T)
www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleissfeld/

2. My Career Background
Grass Cutting
Bakers Helper / Pot Washer
Vocational School
Automotive & Recreational Vehicles
College, 6 Years at Night
A.S. Mechanical Engineer
14 years, 5 different jobs
College, 3 years
Radiation Therapy
10 years, 2 Jobs so far

3. Tips to select YOUR Career
* Critique any of your previous jobs
* What is your working style?
* Do you like mornings, late at night, 7 days a week?
* Think about your school work, sports, helping out around the
house, music.
* Do you like working by yourself? With a partner? As part of
a group?
* How much money $$ do you need to make? Do an honest,
real working budget for what you believe is a living wage. Ask
your folks to help you! Include food, housing, transportation, 2
weeks vacation, charities and fun.
* For any career choice what are the opportunities for
advancement, and what do you need to do to advance?

4. What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy (also radiotherapy or radiation oncology) is the
medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control
malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in
medical imaging and diagnosis). Radiation therapy may be used for curative
or adjuvant cancer treatment (combined with other treatment modalities). It
is used as palliative treatment (where cure is not possible and the aim is for
local disease control or symptomatic relief) or as therapeutic treatment
(where the therapy has survival benefit and it can be curative).

5. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 For the diagnosis the patient visits a Specialist > A tissue sample
is taken (Biopsy) > The sample is sent to the lab where the
Pathologist identifies it as normal or cancerous > The results are
reported to the specialist who then refers the patient to the
Radiation Oncologist at the cancer center.

6. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 The patient arrives at the cancer center where they meet the Patient
Admissions Service Representative > Patient history is next
documented either by the Medical Assistant or Nurse. Vital health
statistics, weight, blood pressure are taken at this time to begin
baseline values prior to radiation therapy treatment. > The Radiation
Oncologist will next do an extensive consult with the patient and their
family. A consent to treat will be signed.

7. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
The patient will next be readied for their treatment simulation. This can
be performed by a Radiation Therapist or Dosimetrist. In most cancer
centers today a dedicated CT scanner is used for this procedure. It differs
from a diagnostic CT scanner as it has special features. There are
precision 3 axis laser lights for patient alignment and a rigid flat table
similar to the one on the radiation therapy machine.

8. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 Any positioning devices such as a mask or vacuum formed bag
will be made at this time. > Special radio luminescent markers
are placed at an approximate central axis of the problem area
and will act as the starting point of the treatment plan. Marks
are made on the skin and protected with clear tape to be used
for daily positioning of the patient.
 After the simulation CT scan those images will be transferred
via the hospital PAC’s (picture archival computer) to the
treatment planning computer. > Using the computer, the
Radiation Oncologist will draw a contour, image by image of the
tumor. > Total dose, daily dose and number of treatments will
be determined.

9. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 The Dosimetrist will then develop a treatment plan to minimize
radiation to nearby healthy tissue and organs, and optimize the
dose to the tumor. > The completed plan is approved by the
doctor and Medical Physicist and then sent electronically to the
linear accelerator. > Daily charges for treatment and other
charting will be completed next. > These tasks typically take a
few days.

10. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 The first day of treatment
 After reviewing the new treatment plan the Radiation Therapist
greets the patient and briefly explains the process for the
treatment. > The patient is positioned on the table using any
positioning aids and in the exact position as they were in during
the simulation CT scan. > 3 axis laser lights are used to align
the patient to the original CT reference marks.
 Referencing the treatment plan the table is moved to accurately
target the cancer. > New reference marks are made to the skin
or positioning aid documenting the treatment site.

11. Cancer Diagnosis and
The Radiation Oncology Team
 The linear accelerator is auto sequenced to the first treatment
position. There can be as few as one, and as many as nine
different directions the radiation will be aimed from. X-ray
images are taken to verify the correct position and area.
 After affirmation of correct position, and if all machine
parameters are met, the treatment can begin. It is as easy as
pushing a button to start the radiation treatment.

12. College Curriculum
 28RDTH141
Basic Elements of Radiation Therapy Technology I
Provides an overview of radiation therapy and its role in medicine.
Included is an orientation to departmental structure, the profession as a
whole, fundamentals of technique, professional ethics, and medical
terms in common usage. Includes a two hour/week clinical rotation.
BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00
 28RDTH142
Basic Elements of Radiation Therapy Technology II
Provides an overview of radiation therapy and its role in medicine.
Included is an orientation to departmental structure, the profession as a
whole, fundamentals of technique, professional ethics, and medical
terms in common usage. Includes a two hour/week clinical rotation.
BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00
 28RDTH201
Clinical Oncology I
Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of
techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific
malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00
 28RDTH202
Clinical Oncology II
Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of
techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific
malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00
 28RDTH203
Clinical Oncology III
Lecture, demonstration, and discussion of the clinical application of
techniques, modality, and rationales in the treatment of specific
malignancies. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 5.00
 28RDTH205
Radiation Therapy Physics I
Study of the physical properties of ionizing radiation, their production,
interactions, and specifications in terms of quality and quantity.
Emphasis is placed on the parameterization of the energy deposition
within the patients. BoK: NS., QR. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00
 28RDTH206
Radiation Therapy Physics II
Study of the physical properties of ionizing radiation, their production,
interactions, and specifications in terms of quality and quantity.
Emphasis is placed on the parameterization of the energy deposition
within the patients. BoK: NS., QR. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00
 28RDTH211
Simulation Lab I
Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up
principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit
Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00
 28RDTH212
Simulation Lab II
Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up
principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit
Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00
 28RDTH213
Simulation Lab III
Provides the opportunity for students to learn basic patient set-up
principles in a laboratory setting using phantoms. BoK: NA. Credit
Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00

13. College Curriculum
 28RDTH221
Clinical Practicum I
Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy
departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and
affiliated hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00
 28RDTH222
Clinical Practicum II
Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy
departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated
hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00
 28RDTH223
Clinical Practicum III
Practical application and experience in the radiation therapy
departments of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated
hospitals. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00
 28RDTH224
Clinical Practicum IV
Advanced practical application of radiation therapy technology at the
University of Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. BoK:
NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 3.00
 28RDTH225
Clinical Practicum V
Advanced practical application of radiation therapy technology at
University Hospital and affiliate institutions. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U.
Credit Hrs: 3.00
 28RDTH243
Radiation Biology
Instructs the student on the biologic effects of ionizing radiation on
living
tissue. BoK: NS. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00
 28RDTH272
Radiation Protection
Study of radiation exposure and dose, protection regulations, and
monitoring techniques. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 2.00
 28RDTH278
Patient Care in Radiation Therapy
Instructs the student in nursing procedures pertinent to the care of the
 28RDTH278
Patient Care in Radiation Therapy
cancer patient. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U. Credit Hrs: 1.00
 28RDTH281
Radiation Physics and Treatment Planning I
Study of the energy deposition patterns in actual patient procedures
with emphasis on the resulting consequences. BoK: NS., QR. Credit
Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00
 28RDTH282
Radiation Physics and Treatment Planning II
Study of the energy deposition patterns in actual patient procedures
with emphasis on the resulting consequences. BoK: NS., QR. Credit
Level: U. Credit Hrs: 4.00
 28RDTH291
Radiation Therapy Review
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the key
concepts of each of the technical courses. BoK: NA. Credit Level: U.
Credit Hrs: 1.00

14. Radiation Therapy as Your Career
Positive aspects of the job
• Doing something that directly helps the people you see every day
• The genuine appreciation that is expressed to you for the job you do by
both the patients and their families
• Most people would not believe the amount of fun we have everyday
with the cancer patients
• Mentally stimulating and challenging
• The problem solving required can have very technical aspects
• Every day is casual day
• Generally a five-day-a-week 8 to 5 position. No weekends or shifts
• Currently this is a job that pays a living wage that would allow you to
own a home, a reasonably new car and take a great two + week
vacation every year.

15. Radiation Therapy as Your Career
Negative aspects of this job
 Many of your patients may not improve appreciably and may die.
 Having to treat younger people and children.
 Exposure to open wounds, disfigurements, smells and bodily fluids.
 You must work with a team. If there is a co-worker or Doctor that you
do not get along with you have to ignore your differences for the sake
of the patient and get along or find a new job.
 There are patients that you will not get along with, but you must ignore
those feelings also, as ultimately you are there to help all patients.
 There is a very small labor market for this job, especially if you choose
to live and work nearby the teaching colleges. This drives wages and
benefits down, and makes it competitive to find work.

16. Where Can You Go From Here?
 For all “Technologist” professions you will need to pass a State
Certification Exam. It is also necessary to complete continuing
education to maintain this certification.
 As a Radiation Therapist you can be promoted to Chief Therapist
 With additional college you can become a Dosimetrist
 If you wish to change fields from Radiation Therapy, your first year of
college studies will allow you to jump right to the second year of
studies to become a Radiographer, CT Technologist, MRI
Technologist, Sonography/Ultrasound, PET Scan, Nuclear Imaging,
Mammography.
 Other choices that can enable you to work in the cancer care setting
are Nursing assistant, RN, Oncology Nurse, Physicians assistant, Lab
Tech, Phlebotomist, Certified Medical Billing Specialist , Cancer
Registrar, Licensed Medical Massage Cancer Specialist, Social
Worker, Cancer Center Office Manager, Radiology Manager, PACS
Administrator, Medical Physicist, Linear Accelerator Service Engineer,
Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist

17. Thank you for your interest in
Radiation Therapy as a career.
Michael Eissfeld RT(T)
www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleissfeld/