Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Radiation Therapy Technician
CIP Code: 51.0912 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to support external beam radiation therapy services. Certified Radiation Therapy Technicians assist with patient intake and education, room and immobilization setup, simulation support, daily treatment positioning and verification imaging support, basic machine QA awareness, radiation safety practices, documentation, and compassionate patient communication—under licensed supervision.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Scope & Safety
This support role works within a licensed radiation oncology service. Training emphasizes radiation safety (time, distance, shielding), immobilization accuracy, verification imaging workflows, and incident-prevention culture. Independent dose calculation or plan approval is outside this scope.
Job Description
A Radiation Therapy Technician assists with greeting and preparing patients, verifying identity and treatment site laterality, positioning and immobilization, setup checks, verification imaging support (kV/MV/Cone-Beam), treatment area turnover, equipment readiness and room QA support tasks per policy, documentation in the oncology EHR, and patient education reinforcement.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an allied health program with oncology/RT modules; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited radiation oncology center; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable radiation oncology clinic experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook. Site, state, or employer permissions may be required for specific tasks.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Physics & Therapy Fundamentals | 15% | ~19 |
| Simulation, Immobilization & Treatment Planning Support | 20% | ~25 |
| Patient Positioning, Setup & Verification Imaging | 25% | ~31 |
| Radiation Safety, QA Awareness & Incident Prevention | 15% | ~19 |
| On-Treatment Monitoring, Side-Effect Recognition & Escalation | 15% | ~19 |
| Documentation, Communication & Compassionate Care | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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