How do I become a Radiation Therapist?

A Radiation Therapist is a Health and Social Care Professional who works with oncology teams and provides Individualized treatment plans. They utilise medical imaging equipment, monitor treatment progress, and offer support to patients and their families.

There are multiple entry routes to the Radiation Therapy profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Radiation Therapy
  • NFQ Level 8 course in Sciences or a Health Sciences related discipline plus MSc in Radiation Therapy

CORU  (the regulator for health and social care professionals) will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy website or by visiting the Careers Portal Website.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU who are the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Radiation Therapists.

Radiation Therapists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals , who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

A Radiation Therapist is an expert oncology healthcare professional who plays a pivotal role in the treatment and care of patients undergoing Radiation Therapy.

The role is crucial in the prehabilitation, treatment planning, management, treatment, and aftercare (survivorship) of various types of cancers and other medical conditions that require radiation therapy. They are often the main point of contact with patients during their visits to radiotherapy, given the close nature of their work directly with cancer patients.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Senior Radiation Therapist or a Clinical Specialist.
  • Specialise in areas such as Prehabilitation, Treatment, CT Planning, Information Support, Brachytherapy, Quality & Safety, Paediatrics, Radiation Safety and Survivorship.

These are some of the Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Grade Radiation Therapist
  • Senior Radiation Therapist
  • Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (Site specialisation)

Management Pathway

  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager I
  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager II
  • Radiation Therapist Service Manager III

There are also opportunities available for educational roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Radiation Therapist, this can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

HSeLand is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

 

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Please click on the below links to find out more about different Radiation Therapy roles:

Alicia O’Leary – Radiation Therapist – Hillman Clinic