Radiation Oncologist

Radiation Oncologists are highly trained doctors who treat different types of cancer using radiation therapies. They generally work as part of a specialist care team of doctors, oncology nurses, and radiation technicians to develop and deliver a cancer treatment program that best suits the patient.

As a Radiation Oncologist you could be examining the internal structures and organ functionality of a new patient, making a cancer diagnosis and explaining the ramifications to the patient and their immediate family, discussing a cancer diagnosis with a surgeon, administering radiopaque substances to a patient, carrying out diagnostic tests using a gamma camera, or attending a conference for radiation technicians and oncologists.

This is a very demanding occupation and to succeed you will need a high standard of academic performance, a lifelong commitment to learning the latest radiation technologies and therapy practices, and outstanding communication skills.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $182,000
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a radiation oncologist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Doctor of Medicine
On Campus
3 - 5 years
$0 - $407,808
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
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Obstetrician Surgeon Career Medical Officer (CMO) Gastroenterologist Neurologist Oncologist Gynaecologist Psychiatrist Paediatrician Cardiologist Radiologist Medical Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Anatomist Endocrinologist
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Medical Oncologist

Medical Oncologists diagnose and treat cancer with chemotherapy and biotherapies, providing care in clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centres.

Avg yearly income $156,000
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Common questions

How much do Radiation Oncologists earn?

Salaries for Radiation Oncologists working in Australia start at $3,500 per week ($182,000 annually). Increase your earning capacity by obtaining specialist medical qualifications in supporting areas like gynaecology, paediatrics, obstetrics, or surgery.

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What are the job opportunities for Radiation Oncologists?

There are no clear employment figures for Radiation Oncologists working in Australia. They work in cancer clinics, hospitals, and outpatient cancer care centres, and may also provide advisory services to government agencies and academic institutions.

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How do I become a Radiation Oncologist?

To become a qualified Radiation Oncologist you first need to become a qualified doctor by:

  1. Completing a suitable Bachelor’s degree (eg, health science, pharmacy, nursing, human movement, science).
  2. Passing the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
  3. Achieving a Doctor of Medicine (MD).
  4. Completing a hospital internship for at least one year.
  5. Obtaining general medical registration through the Medical Board of Australia.
Once you are a registered physician you’ll need another two years of professional medical experience before you can apply for a five-year training program with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

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How to become a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in Australia

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