The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Radiation Therapy certification — designated as T(ARRT) — is the premier credential for radiation therapists in the United States. Radiation therapists are essential members of the oncology treatment team, working alongside radiation oncologists and medical physicists to plan and administer therapeutic doses of radiation to patients with cancer and other serious diseases. This is a deeply meaningful healthcare career that combines advanced technology with compassionate patient care, offering strong salaries and excellent job security in a growing field.

Certification Structure

Credential — T(ARRT), Radiation Therapy, issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Prerequisites — Must complete an accredited radiation therapy education program. Programs are accredited by JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) and typically award an Associate or Bachelor degree over 2–4 years. Some programs accept radiographers (RT(R)) for accelerated 12–21 month post-primary pathways
Ethics Requirement — Must meet ARRT ethics standards including background review
Exam Format — Computer-based exam at Pearson VUE testing centers. Covers radiation therapy treatment planning, treatment delivery, patient care and education, and quality assurance
Renewal — Standard renewal fee of $65/year (as of January 2026). Must complete 24 CE credits biennially

What You Will Learn

Radiation Physics — Principles of ionizing radiation, radiation production and interaction with matter, dosimetry, inverse square law, and radiation measurement instruments
Treatment Planning — CT simulation, treatment planning systems, isodose distribution, beam modifiers, field shaping (MLC), IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT, brachytherapy, and plan evaluation in collaboration with medical physicists and dosimetrists
Treatment Delivery — Linear accelerator operation, patient positioning and immobilization, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), treatment verification, and daily quality assurance checks
Clinical Oncology — Cancer biology, tumor staging (TNM), treatment protocols by disease site, radiation side effects, combined modality therapy (radiation + chemotherapy), and palliative vs. curative treatment approaches
Patient Care — Managing patient anxiety, skin care during treatment, symptom management, nutritional support referrals, psychosocial support, and patient education about treatment process and expected outcomes
Radiation Safety — ALARA principles, personnel monitoring, shielding calculations, regulatory compliance (NRC, state regulations), and emergency procedures
Clinical Rotations — Extensive hands-on training in radiation oncology departments (typically 1,000+ clinical hours) including simulation, treatment delivery, and quality assurance

Why This Certification Stands Out

Key advantages: (1) ARRT is the universally recognized credentialing body — T(ARRT) is required or preferred by essentially all U.S. radiation oncology departments. (2) Deeply meaningful work — Radiation therapists directly contribute to cancer treatment outcomes and develop long-term relationships with patients over multi-week treatment courses. (3) Advanced technology — The field continuously evolves with cutting-edge technology (proton therapy, MR-guided radiation, AI-assisted planning), keeping the work intellectually stimulating. (4) Strong job market — BLS projects 3% growth for radiation therapists through 2033, with consistent demand driven by the aging population and increasing cancer incidence. (5) Excellent work-life balance — Most radiation therapy departments operate weekday daytime hours, unlike many hospital-based roles. (6) High salary relative to education — Radiation therapists earn well above the national median with an Associate or Bachelor degree.

Career Outcomes

Radiation therapists earn a median salary of $98,300/year (BLS, May 2024), making it one of the highest-paying associate/bachelor degree-level healthcare careers. Top earners exceed $130,000/year. Employment primarily in hospitals (65%) and outpatient care centers/freestanding radiation oncology clinics (28%). Travel radiation therapists can earn $2,500–$4,000/week. Career advancement pathways include lead therapist, chief therapist, dosimetrist (with additional education), clinical educator, and vendor application specialist roles. The field has very low unemployment rates.

Who It Is For

Students in or considering JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy programs, current radiologic technologists (RT(R)) seeking specialization in radiation therapy via post-primary pathways, healthcare workers interested in oncology and advanced medical technology, career changers drawn to meaningful patient care with strong compensation, and military medical professionals with radiation therapy experience transitioning to civilian practice.

Pricing

ARRT Examination Fee: $200. Annual Renewal: $65. ASRT Student Membership: $35. CPR Certification: $40. Liability Insurance: approximately $149. Study materials and review courses: $100–$500. Radiation therapy education programs: Community college Associate programs $10,000–$30,000, University Bachelor programs $25,000–$80,000. Post-primary certificate programs (for existing RT(R)s): $8,000–$25,000. Total exam and credential costs: $489–$889. Financial aid, VA benefits, and hospital tuition assistance widely available.

Arrt radiation therapy certification — certified radiation therapist (t)

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