The future of radiation therapy practice lies in maximizing the potential of radiation therapists and leveraging their expertise to the level of advanced practice, according to an original report published in the American Society of Radiation Oncology journal, Practical Radiation Oncology.

Current radiation therapy workforce challenges, strategies to boost recruitment activities and recommendations to build the advanced practice radiation therapist career pathway are also highlighted in the original report, titled “The Current and Future State of Radiation Therapy Practice — An Analysis of the Professional Workforce Survey.”

The report’s authors developed the strategies and recommendations from the findings highlighted in the 2023 Professional Workforce Survey, prepared by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The survey gathered data about the future practices of radiation therapists, while highlighting the evolving role of radiation therapists amid staffing constraints and advancements in radiation oncology technologies.

Understanding that additional work is necessary to develop a comprehensive plan for career pathways and professional advancements for radiation therapists, the authors recommended gathering additional research and developing resources to establish evidence-based models that leverage radiation therapists’ expertise to elevate them to advance practice roles.

The original report’s authors are Shaun Caldwell, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(T), John Culbertson, M.A., M.Ed., Melissa Culp, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(MR), Sheryl Green, MBBCh, Sandra Hayden, M.A., R.T.(T), Jason Paisley, M.S., DABR, Samantha Skubish, M.S., R.T.(R)(T) and Nora Uricchio, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(T).