Radiation Therapy

There are numerous reasons as to why I want to pursue my dream of becoming a radiation therapist. The most important reason is because I love to help other people overcome any problem they are facing. However saving a patient’s life through radiation would be even more amazing. Not to mention, after obtaining the proper education, the salary I receive will be fairly high. Cancer has recently become a part of many families, including my own. I see what a few of my family members are going through and having to struggle with every single day in order to live to see another day, The struggles that they go through have opened my mind in many ways, I wish I was the one that they could come to for a chance of survival, but I can’t, so in order for me to help cancer patients fight for their lives, I will obtain the proper education, licenses, and possess the numerous skills needed by a radiation therapist..

Radiation therapists work closely with patients to fight cancer. According to Health Care Careers, Oncologists, Dosimetrists and nurses are some of the professionals that a radiation therapist works with while caring for a cancer patient. This group of professionals will determine a specialized treatment plan. The first step usually includes a CT scan performed by a radiologist to find the exact area that needs to be targeted with x-rays. Next, the therapist uses a special machine that emits radiation called a Linear Accelerator. They use this machine during a treatment called external beam therapy. During this process, the Linear Accelerator will project x-rays at targeted cancer cells or tumors. Another therapist will be in a different room monitoring the patient’s viral signs until the procedure is over. The external therapy l...

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...port the decisions that the radiation therapist make. Therapists use their strongest ability, which in return gives them a great sense of accomplishment (“What Skills Are Required”).

Radiation therapists have a very hard job, but there are pros to being one. During a long work day they see many things a normal person would not see. According to Health Care Careers, many radiation therapists think of their job as a rewarding career because they are able to help many different patients fight for their lives. The radiation field will grow above normal, which will make it easier finding a job. There are also cons to being a radiation therapist. They work with patients who are constantly fighting cancer and under a mass of stress. The therapist has to consider the problems in life that the patient will go through. Being a radiation therapist can be very challenging.