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Radiation Oncologist

ANZSCO 253918

Radiation Oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapies, working in teams to develop personalised treatment plans for patients.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a radiation oncologist

Get qualified to work as a radiation oncologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Radiation Oncologist.

Common questions

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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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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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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All radiation oncologist courses

Radiation Oncologist careers

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.