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The statement that one program is harder than the other could be misleading, as the challenges in each are different and unique to the field. While nursing demands a broader knowledge base and more extensive clinical experience, radiology requires a deep understanding of imaging technologies and radiation safety.

The UNC Hospitals Radiation Therapy Program is a 12 month, postradiography certificate program. The program is fully accredited by the JRCERT and incorporates the national radiation therapy curriculum established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

What kind of education do you need to be a radiation therapist? There are several possible academic paths to becoming a radiation therapist: Many complete an associate degree program. For example, NWHSU offers an Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy.

Education. Employers usually prefer to hire applicants who have an associates degree or a bachelors degree in a healthcare and related field, such as radiation therapy, or in science technologies or biology. However, candidates may qualify for some positions by completing a certificate program.

With additional training and experience, a therapist can become a certified medical dosimetrist. A dosimetrist calculates the correct dose of radiation treating cancer patients. Other therapists advance to administrative positions or to management positions such as chief therapist or education director.

Radiation therapy is a challenging, rewarding field that requires a certain level of education. Like other medical pursuits, studying radiation therapy can be challenging at times. But, unlike the amount of schooling to become a physician, you can complete your studies in a comparatively short time.

Radiologic technologists and radiation therapists, as their job titles imply, both work with radiation equipment. They use X-rays in different ways, however, radiologic technologists perform imaging studies that are used for diagnosis, while radiation therapists treat patients who have cancer.

Medical dosimetrists are educated in physics, anatomy and radiobiology. They may be certified by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board. The radiation therapist administers radiation treatments to the patient.