Radiation therapists give radiation treatments to patients in order to treat cancer and other diseases.

Radiation therapists use machines called linear accelerators to direct x-rays at cancer cells in a patient. The x-rays cause the cancer cells to shrink or disappear.

Before beginning treatment, radiation therapists gather information about the patient. They also read the prescriptions for treatment written by doctors. They read patients' charts to learn about their disease. Therapists may discuss patients' cases with doctors. If x-rays have not already been taken, therapists order them or take them themselves.

Radiation therapists explain the treatments to patients and answer questions. They help patients onto tables and make sure they are arranged in the best position to receive their treatment.

During treatments, therapists follow safety procedures to ensure that the patient is not overexposed to radiation. They make sure the computers are set to give the correct dose of radiation. They observe patients through windows or closed circuit TV to make sure they are okay. If patients have unexpected reactions, they turn the equipment off quickly and administer aid. They report any unusual reactions to doctors.

After treatment, therapists update patients' charts to reflect their treatment record. They also pass information about patients to doctors and other health care workers.

Radiation therapists inspect their equipment to keep it in good working order and to ensure patient safety. Similar to nuclear medicine technologists, some radiation therapists make images using radioactive materials.

Radiation therapists may also teach students and other health care workers. They attend workshops and conferences in order to keep up to date on treatments and testing procedures.