An allied health practitioner that works in the field of radiation oncology is known as a radiation therapist, therapeutic radiographer, or radiotherapist. Radiation therapy, often known as radiotherapy and abbreviated as RT, RTx, or XRT, is a type of cancer treatment that uses ionising radiation to regulate or destroy malignant cells. It is often given via a linear accelerator. Radiation treatment may be curative for a variety of cancers that are limited to one part of the body. It may also be used as adjuvant therapy following surgery to remove a primary malignant tumour to prevent tumour recurrence (for example, early stages of breast cancer). As Radiation therapy has proven to be synergistic with chemo, it is used before, during, and after chemotherapy in susceptible cancers. Radiation oncologist is a specialist of oncology that deals with radiotherapy. Radiation therapy is the study of utilising X-rays and other kinds of radiation to treat illnesses, particularly cancer. The treatment of many types of cancer disorders is related and tied to the field of radiotherapy. In the current global condition, a large number of patients are being attacked by serious cancer illnesses. Not just in Pakistan, but in other nations throughout the world, radiation has a vast use.
Nature of work
- Work as part of a team to deal cancer patients
- Explain treatment plans to patients
- Answer questions about various types of treatments
- Follow safety protocols to safeguard patients from overexposure to radiation
- Adjust and run the equipment to treat the patient with radiation
- Reviewing prescription and diagnosis
- Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions to the treatment
- Support patients until their treatment ends
- From taking an initial x-ray to utilising a ct scanner or a linear accelerator to treat tumours, employ some of the most complicated and modern technologies available
- working and consulting with colleagues across many departments
- Preserving records, reports, and information
The Scope of Radiotherapy in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, radiation is a lucrative and challenging profession. The need for radiotherapists in Pakistan is quickly growing due to the rise in cancerous diseases. There are a lot of renowned governmental and private hospitals in Pakistan that provide outstanding radiotherapist positions with competitive salaries. They can also work conveniently at research departments and labs.
How to become a radiation therapist
In order to become a Radiation Therapist, the first step is degree completion.. To become a therapeutic radiographer, you must first successfully complete a bachelor’s degree or masters in radiotherapy. You need to score a minimum of 60% marks in your FSC Pre-medical. Degree courses take three or four years full time.
For details on institutes offering radiotherapy, visit
Job opportunities
After a degree in Radiotherapy you can easily get employment in any of the following posts listed below:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Dental Hygienist
- Cardiovascular Technologists
- Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
- Physical Therapists Assistants and Aids
- Radiologic and MRI Technologist
- Respiratory Therapists
Qualities required for a radiation therapist
- Open to innovative technologies
- Have an easy-going manner to comfort patients who are worried about their treatment.
- Demonstrate empathy and compassion necessary to provide for the physical and psychological comfort of the patient.
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities are required to operate in a profession that is extremely complicated and rapidly evolving.
- Oral and written communication skills are required.
- Safety-conscious and have excellent observational skills
- Work in a team with other professionals