AlaskaRadiation Therapist License Requirements

Radiation therapy education programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs are available at both the associate's and bachelor's degree levels, with bachelor's degrees increasingly becoming the standard. Curricula include radiation physics, radiobiology, treatment planning, dosimetry, patient care, radiation safety, and clinical rotations in radiation oncology departments. Most programs require 1,000-1,200 hours of supervised clinical training.

ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification in radiation therapy RT(T) is the primary national credential for radiation therapists. Virtually all states require or strongly recommend ARRT certification for practice. The ARRT examination covers treatment planning and delivery, radiation safety, patient care, dosimetry, and quality assurance. CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetrist) certification through the MDCB is accepted in many states for dosimetry roles. Some states also require a fluoroscopy permit for therapists who perform imaging-guided procedures.

Approximately 37-40 states and the District of Columbia require licensure for radiation therapists. States that do not require licensure still expect ARRT certification, which serves as the de facto standard for practice. Licensing is typically overseen by a state radiation control program, board of radiologic technology, or department of health.

Radiation therapists deliver prescribed doses of ionizing radiation to patients as part of cancer treatment. They operate linear accelerators and other treatment machines to deliver external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), including advanced modalities such as IMRT, IGRT, SRS/SBRT, and VMAT. Radiation therapists also perform treatment simulations, assist with brachytherapy procedures, and verify treatment plans. All treatment delivery must be performed under the general supervision of a radiation oncologist, with treatment plans verified by a qualified medical physicist.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •No state license required; ARRT certification is portable nationwide

Most states offer reciprocity or endorsement for radiation therapists licensed in other states. Requirements typically include current ARRT certification in radiation therapy, graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program, verification of licensure in good standing from the originating state, and background check clearance. ARRT certification significantly simplifies the reciprocity process as it is recognized nationally.