Five Common Myths About Radiation Therapy, Debunked
Featuring: Katie C, Radiation Therapist and Daphny D, Radiation Therapist Lead
Location: Ochsner Baptist
When people think about radiation therapy, they often picture long treatments, constant exposure to radiation and difficult days filled with emotion. But according to the radiation therapy team at Ochsner Baptist, many of the most common beliefs about the profession simply aren't true.
Katie C., a radiation therapist, and Daphny D., a lead radiation therapist, shared a few of the biggest misconceptions they hear about radiation therapy and what the job is really like.
Misconception #1: Radiation therapists are exposed to dangerous levels of radiation
One of the most common myths about radiation therapy is that therapists are constantly exposed to radiation and somehow become radioactive themselves.
In reality, radiation therapists follow strict safety procedures while delivering treatments.
"The machines that we use are put in what we call 'the vault' and it has a big, thick door and so we're not getting any radiation exposure because we leave the room each time," Katie said. "There's no active source in the machine and then it's gone as soon as the machine is turned off so we don't get any exposure."
Radiation therapists operate sophisticated equipment, but they are not exposed to radiation during treatments.
Misconception #2: Radiation treatments take a long time
Many people assume radiation therapy requires patients to spend hours at the hospital each day.
The truth is that most treatments are surprisingly quick.
"The patients just lay down on the table, hold still for about 5-10 minutes for treatment and then they get up and walk out," Katie said. "Patients are surprised that they can still go to work, do their routines, work out and whatever other normal daily activities they want."
Many patients are able to fit treatment into their day and continue with their normal activities afterward.
Misconception #3: You can’t find joy at work as a radiation therapist
Because radiation therapists work with patients who have cancer, people often assume the job is emotionally difficult all the time.
While there are challenging moments, the team says the work is incredibly rewarding because many treatments are designed to cure cancer.
"We're treating to cure. These are curative treatments," Daphny said. "Yes, we do have one or two palliative patients that we're actually ensuring that we give them comfort, but it's really such a rewarding job."
For Daphny, helping patients through one of the most important moments of their lives gives the work special meaning.
"You're coming in and curing someone. Our day-to-day life is someone's life event," she said. "Every day that I'm walking in for work and this is a normal day for me, it's a life event for this patient."
Misconception #4: Radiation therapy is the same thing as radiologic technology
Radiation therapy and radiologic technology are often confused, but they are two different career paths.
Radiologic technologists help diagnose medical conditions by performing imaging exams such as X-rays. Radiation therapists, on the other hand, are part of the cancer care team and provide radiation treatments prescribed to help patients fight cancer.
While both careers use advanced technology and require strong patient care skills, radiation therapists focus on treatment rather than diagnosis. They work closely with patients throughout their care journey, often seeing them daily and helping ensure each treatment is delivered safely and accurately.
For many patients, radiation therapists become a familiar face during one of the most important times in their lives.
Misconception #5: Radiation therapists have difficult work schedules
Many people think radiation therapists work the same schedule as other hospital caregivers who may work nights, weekends and holidays.
At Ochsner, radiation therapists typically work weekday schedules and do not regularly work weekends or holidays. Team members may also have scheduling options that support work-life balance while continuing to provide exceptional patient care.
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Interested in a Career in Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapists combine advanced technology, precision and compassionate patient care to make a real difference in the lives of patients every day.
If you're looking for a career where you can help patients, work with innovative technology and be part of a team that changes lives, explore radiation therapy opportunities at Ochsner. Learn more about available roles and apply today.