OPT Radiation Therapist Jobs
Radiation therapist roles on OPT require ARRT certification and a state license, which most employers verify before extending an offer. Clinical hospital systems and cancer centers regularly hire OPT candidates, and the 24-month STEM extension does not apply to this field since radiation therapy programs are typically classified under health sciences, not STEM.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary and Responsibilities
As a Radiation Therapist, you will be responsible for accurately delivering prescribed courses of radiation therapy to cancer patients, ensuring clinical precision and patient comfort.
Every day you will meticulously position patients, operate sophisticated radiation equipment, perform daily quality assurance checks, and carefully monitor patients throughout treatment, providing support and clear communication.
To be successful, you will demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency, meticulous attention to detail, and compassionate patient care, crucial for safe and effective cancer treatment.
- Performs treatment assessment and planning to all patient groups in accordance with the physician treatment plan.
- Simulates the patient treatment position for radiation delivery in CT room according to physician’s treatment parameter orders.
- Constructs various patient immobilization devices per physician orders.
- Follows department dosimetry guidelines to calculate monitor units for the linear accelerator per physician prescription, when necessary.
- Delivers treatment to all patient groups using a linear accelerator in accordance with the physician treatment plan.
- Prepares patient for treatment by assisting in directing or transporting patient to treatment room.
Job Requirements
Required
- Graduation from an accredited program in Radiation Therapy Technology, upon hire
- Medical Radiographer: WA, upon hire
- Registered Technologist Radiation Therapy, upon hire
- Basic Life Support (through AHA) - CPR, upon hire
Preferred
- One year of directly related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities
Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Pay Range
$46.72 - $70.89 /hour
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Radiation Therapist, you will be responsible for accurately delivering prescribed courses of radiation therapy to cancer patients, ensuring clinical precision and patient comfort.
Every day you will meticulously position patients, operate sophisticated radiation equipment, perform daily quality assurance checks, and carefully monitor patients throughout treatment, providing support and clear communication.
To be successful, you will demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency, meticulous attention to detail, and compassionate patient care, crucial for safe and effective cancer treatment.
- Performs treatment assessment and planning to all patient groups in accordance with the physician treatment plan.
- Simulates the patient treatment position for radiation delivery in CT room according to physician’s treatment parameter orders.
- Constructs various patient immobilization devices per physician orders.
- Follows department dosimetry guidelines to calculate monitor units for the linear accelerator per physician prescription, when necessary.
- Delivers treatment to all patient groups using a linear accelerator in accordance with the physician treatment plan.
- Prepares patient for treatment by assisting in directing or transporting patient to treatment room.
Job Requirements
Required
- Graduation from an accredited program in Radiation Therapy Technology, upon hire
- Medical Radiographer: WA, upon hire
- Registered Technologist Radiation Therapy, upon hire
- Basic Life Support (through AHA) - CPR, upon hire
Preferred
- One year of directly related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities
Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Pay Range
$46.72 - $70.89 /hour
See all 179+ OPT Radiation Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Radiation Therapist
Get your ARRT certification before you apply
Most radiation therapist postings list ARRT certification as a hard requirement, not a preference. Applying before you pass the boards wastes your OPT time. Sit for the exam as early as your program allows and apply immediately after results post.
Confirm state licensure timelines against your OPT start date
Licensure processing varies by state, ranging from two weeks to three months. If your OPT authorization arrives before your license clears, you cannot legally work. Apply for licensure the moment your program ends to avoid burning OPT time while waiting.
Target large hospital systems and academic medical centers first
Large health systems like hospital networks affiliated with universities process OPT hires routinely and have dedicated HR staff familiar with work authorization. Smaller private practices often have no prior OPT experience, which slows hiring decisions considerably.
Address your OPT timeline proactively with hiring managers
Radiation therapist roles involve department scheduling and credentialing that take weeks. Hiring managers need to know your exact OPT end date early. Being upfront signals professionalism and gives employers time to plan H-1B visa sponsorship if they intend to retain you.
Research H-1B cap-exempt employers in healthcare
Nonprofit hospitals, university medical centers, and federally qualified health centers are often cap-exempt for H-1B purposes. Targeting these employers extends your options beyond the annual lottery and gives your post-OPT transition a more predictable path.
Document your clinical rotations for credentialing purposes
Hospital credentialing committees routinely request detailed clinical hour logs from radiation therapists. Keep organized records of every rotation site, supervisor, and hours completed during your program. Missing documentation during credentialing can delay your start date by weeks.
Radiation Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a radiation therapist on OPT?
Yes, but you must hold both ARRT certification and a valid state license before your first day of employment. OPT authorizes you to work in a job directly related to your degree, and radiation therapy programs qualify. Your employer's HR team will collect your EAD card as proof of work authorization along with your other onboarding documents.
Does radiation therapy qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
No. Radiation therapy programs are classified under health sciences, not STEM fields as defined by the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program list. You receive the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning your H-1B or other long-term visa strategy early is important given the shorter authorization window.
How do I find radiation therapist employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Browse Migrate Mate to find radiation therapist roles filtered by OPT sponsorship willingness. Large hospital systems and academic medical centers tend to have the most experience hiring candidates on work authorization. Searching by employer type, not just job title, helps you prioritize outreach toward organizations already comfortable with the OPT process.
What happens if my state license is still processing when my OPT starts?
You cannot legally practice as a radiation therapist without an active state license, even if your EAD has arrived. Starting work before licensure clears would violate both state law and your OPT terms. Apply for licensure immediately after graduation and communicate the expected clearance date to any employer who has extended an offer.
Will hospitals sponsor me for an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Many large hospital systems and nonprofit medical centers do sponsor radiation therapists for H-1B status, particularly in regions with documented therapist shortages. Nonprofit hospitals affiliated with universities are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. Raise the sponsorship question during later interview stages, after an employer has signaled clear interest in hiring you.