WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1999

Clinics increase demand for radiation therapists

By Daniel Oliveira

On-Line Forty-Niner

Clinics nationwide need radiation therapists and Cal State Long Beach is the only school in California that offers a bachelor's degree in that field, said Stephanie Eatmon, director of the department of health science's radiation therapy option.

"There is a critical shortage of therapists," Eatmon said. "So the program needs to get more students to graduate."

Using sophisticated equipment, radiation therapists treat different kinds of cancer and provide psychological support to patients, according to the program brochure.

Eatmon said there was a freeze on hiring radiation therapists a few years ago, but the situation is different now.

"We're trying to get the word out there again that there are plenty of jobs everywhere," she said.

Senior Michele Welch said radiation therapy is a rewarding medical field.

"You're working with incredible equipment that does all kind of things," Welch said. "The patients are always very kind and thankful when they come in. It makes you feel better at the end of the day."

"People tend not to get into this work because we're working with cancer patients," said Renan Hernandez, CSULB senior. "I think people have a misconception. They always assume that cancer patients are in the end stages [of their live]."

Gary Parham, the program coordinator, said radiation therapists form close relationships with their patients because they see each other on a daily basis.

"It's different than most clinic settings," Parham said. "And I think that for a lot of students that graduated and that are out there working, that's one of the aspects they really like about the profession."

The radiation therapy option at CSULB lasts three years and gives students a chance to work in clinics in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange counties while studying, Eatmon said.