Radiation Therapist how-to

How to Set Up a Patient for Treatment

Precise setup protects healthy tissue.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Precise setup protects healthy tissue. In short: confirm; review; position, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm patient identity.

  2. Review the treatment plan.

  3. Position with immobilization devices.

  4. Align lasers with marks.

  5. Take verification images.

  6. Adjust and treat.

Safety reminders for radiation therapists

  • Follow radiation safety and ALARA
  • Verify patient identity and plan
  • Check safety interlocks
  • Never treat after a failed QA

Linear accelerator · Fraction · Gray (Gy) · Simulation · Immobilization · IGRT: see the full radiation therapist glossary.

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