By Dr. Ron Winston 

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO), employment of Radiation Therapists in Workforce Development Area 23 – Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties is projected to grow by 11.0% from 2022 to 2030, which is higher than the projected national average of 6%. This growth may partly be attributed to the increase in incidence of cancer as people age, leading to greater demand for effective radiation therapy treatments. In addition, the continued advancements in cancer detection and the development of more sophisticated treatment techniques are also expected to increase demand for radiation therapists in the region.

A report by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) suggests that a shortage of Radiation Therapists has been reported in rural and underserved areas. For this reason, there is a demand for Radiation Therapists in various locations in the US, including Florida and Miami-Dade County. Research studies have identified unmet needs among cancer survivors and patients receiving radiation therapy. For example, a study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that many patients receiving radiation therapy experience physical and emotional side effects but may not receive adequate support. These factors suggest that there may be workforce demand for Radiation Therapists in the US, Florida, and Miami-Dade County, particularly in areas where there are shortages of healthcare workers or where the needs of cancer patients are not fully met.

Radiation Therapists are essential members of the professional team responsible for utilizing various forms of radiation to treat cancer. Radiation Therapists have three key areas of responsibility: daily treatments, patient support, and treatment planning. Given the complex nature of cancer treatment, a team of specialists working together is common practice. Radiation Therapy involves working within interdisciplinary teams consisting of a radiation oncologist, medical radiation physicist, medical dosimetrist, and nurses to provide effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with cancer.

This program, with its emphasis in Radiation Therapy, will ensure students learn and apply the concepts and skills such as Radiation Therapy Medical Imaging, Patient Care in Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology and Neoplasms and the ability to administer safe and accurate radiation therapy treatments. Additionally, the knowledge and skills gained in this program will ensure students meet the necessary certification and licensure requirements. Graduates of the Associate in Science (AS) in Radiation Therapy program will be eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and pursue licensure to become a Radiation Therapist. Graduates will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to perform radiation therapy treatments as part of a healthcare team in a variety of clinical settings.

Developing the Radiation Therapy program helps to address the workforce needs in Miami Dade County. The School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College-Medical Campus is preparing students to become highly skilled healthcare professionals, while improving their quality of life and allowing them to become an integral part of healthcare teams. By training the next generation of healthcare providers, the School of Health Sciences turns career dreams into reality for thousands of students every year.

For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences or call (305) 237-4103.

Dr. Ron Winston is Dean, School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College.