The treatment room door closes with a soft click. Emma Wiltenburg adjusts the laser alignment one final time, her eyes moving between the patient on the table and the millimeter measurements on her screen. In radiation therapy, there’s no room for “close enough.”
Emma is a Radiation Therapist with Nova Scotia Health, part of a profession most people have never heard of—even though it might one day save their life.
What Radiation Therapists Actually Do (vs. Other MRT Roles)
Ask someone outside of healthcare what a radiation therapist does, and the answer is often unclear. That confusion is common.
“MRT is a large scope; people don’t realize how many streams fall under it,” Emma explains.
Radiation therapists are part of a broader field called Medical Radiation Technology (MRT), but their role is distinct and often misunderstood. While radiographers and MRI technologists create the diagnostic images that detect cancer, and nuclear medicine technologists provide functional imaging like PET scans, radiation therapists do something different entirely.
“We’re frontline cancer care workers giving patients lifesaving treatment,” Emma says.
This means radiation therapists aren’t working behind the scenes. It’s frontline work. While radiographers may see a patient once for a scan, radiation therapists see the same patients daily, sometimes for six or seven weeks straight. They become familiar faces during one of the hardest chapters of a person’s life.
A Day in the Life of a Radiation Therapist
Emma’s day begins before the first patient arrives. Radiation therapy clinics usually run standard daytime hours, but within that schedule is a carefully structured workflow focused on safety and accuracy.
A typical day includes:
- Reviewing treatment plans and patient documentation
- Performing quality assurance checks on radiation equipment
- Completing multiple safety and verification steps
- Delivering hands-on radiation treatments to patients.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the job is how much preparation goes into a patient’s care before they ever enter the treatment room.
“There’s a lot more planning, checking, and precision than people think,” Emma shares.
Every treatment is reviewed multiple times to ensure it aligns exactly with the patient’s plan.
When Technology Becomes an Ally
A decade ago, much of Emma’s work involved tedious manual calculations and repetitive documentation. Today, AI and automation handle those tasks, freeing her to focus on what matters most.
AI and automation now assist with:
- Improving treatment accuracy
- Reducing repetitive manual tasks
- Streamlining planning and workflow processes
“We can provide so much more precision now,” Emma says. “AI automates the tedious stuff so we can focus on patients.”
Rather than replacing professionals, technology allows radiation therapists to spend more
time where it matters most, supporting patients.
“AI will never take our jobs,” Emma adds. “It helps us do them better.
How to Become a Radiation Therapist in Canada
For students exploring healthcare careers, radiation therapy offers a rare balance of
technical skill and human connection.
“Do it, it’s so rewarding,” Emma says. “It is an amazing field.”
In Canada, aspiring students must complete an accredited Radiation Therapy program, typically a 3–4-year bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma. These programs combine classroom learning in anatomy, physics, and oncology with extensive hands-on clinical placements in cancer centres, where students train directly.
After graduating, Radiation Therapists must pass a national certification exam and register with their provincial regulatory body before practicing.
This career is especially well-suited for people who:
- Enjoy working closely with others
- Want to see tangible impact in their work
- Value teamwork and community
“You’ll thrive in this field if you love people,” Emma emphasizes
Radiation Therapist Salary and Job Outlook in Canada
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank and industry salary aggregators, radiation therapists in Canada earn between $71,400 and $124,800 annually (approximately $35 to $60 per hour), with a national median salary of roughly $100,800. Compensation varies significantly by province, with higher averages often found in Alberta and Ontario. The job outlook is rated as “Good” to “Very Good” across most provinces through 2028.
Requirements and Environment
Most positions are located in hospital-based cancer centers or specialized private clinics. To practice in Canada, you generally require:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Radiation Therapy from an accredited program.
- Certification from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
- Provincial Licensing (e.g., CMRITO in Ontario or OTIMROEPMQ in Quebec).
Why Radiation Therapists Matter in Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy will continue advancing. Machines powered by Generative AI in Healthcare will become smarter, treatments more targeted, and technology more sophisticated.
But at the center of it all will still be people like Emma—adjusting positioning, double-checking calculations, holding space for fear and hope in the same conversation.
The next time you hear about radiation therapy, remember: behind the technology, beneath the precision, within the science—there are therapists delivering not just treatment, but care, presence, and hope.
One patient at a time. One millimeter at a time. One day at a time. Every day, their work combines science, precision, and compassion.
“It’s a field where helping others is the focus every single day,” Emma shares.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Radiation Therapy Careers
Q: How long does it take to become a radiation therapist in Canada?
A: 3-4 years for a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma, plus certification exams.
Q: Is radiation therapy the same as radiology?
A: No. Radiologists are physicians who interpret images. Radiation therapists are MRTs who deliver cancer treatment.
Q: Do radiation therapists work with patients directly?
A: Yes, daily. They build relationships with patients over weeks of treatment.
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