Radiation Therapists use high energy ionizing radiation to deliver a prescribed course of radiation to treat disease. The radiation therapist monitors the patient during treatment and provides emotional support. The therapist responsibilities include accurately interpreting, verifying, administering and recording the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologist.

The goal of radiation therapy is to kill all of the cancer cells while sparing the normal surrounding tissue. Generally, cancer cells are dividing faster and are less mature than normal cells. This makes the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation and less likely to repair.