About the role
In New Zealand, Radiation Therapists are supported to stay at the forefront of the profession. Our departments actively adopt new technologies and evidence-based techniques, with a strong focus on training, research and service development.
You’ll work in a culture that values teamwork, professional growth and improving outcomes for patients and their whānau.
In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
The Radiation Therapists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website.
Employment agreements — Health NZexternal link
Our workforce receives a minimum of 4 weeks annual leave and usually works a set 40-hour week. Additional 5 days leave is provided, after 5 years' service.
Each Centre has education and conference funding available to access.
If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer.
Visas and settling into New Zealand
To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require an appropriate registration. This can take 3 to 4 months to complete so it is important to start this process early on.
Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB)external link
Annual Practising Certificate (APC) — Medial Radiation Technologists Boardexternal link
Internationally qualified candidates
In New Zealand, Radiation Therapists work in CT simulation, planning (dosimetry) and treatment areas. The MRTB may put some restrictions on your practising certificate if they assess that your equivalent qualification does not cover a full scope of practice.
Continual Professional Development (CPD) hours are a requirement of maintaining a practising certificate. In-house education is provided at most centres and Health NZ offers a wide range of training courses, particularly in:
- communication
- self-development
- leadership
- teamwork.
Professional body
New Zealand Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy is the professional body for radiation therapists in New Zealand
New Zealand Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapyexternal link
An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and implementing the principles.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework — Ministry of Healthexternal link
Planning, delivering, and recording radiation treatment accurately and efficiently.
Providing information and education to patients and their whānau.
Assisting with clinical training and ongoing clinical assessment of radiation therapy students.
Involvement in quality improvement, research, and development activities.
Active involvement in the advancement of radiation therapy practice particularly implementation of new techniques, for example SABR.
A variety of specialist radiation therapist roles throughout the country including:
- palliative care
- on treatment review clinics
- lymphedema
- Māori health
- supportive care
- paediatric
- adolescents and young adult
- Brachytherapy.
Apply for a Radiation Therapist role
Whether you are trained in New Zealand or internationally, we can help you find a Radiation Therapist role.
Application requirements
To apply for a Radiation Therapist role with Health New Zealand, you need to be (or be able to be) registered with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board of New Zealand (MRTB).
There are no countries with direct, fast‑tracked registration for Radiation Therapists. All overseas applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by MRTB.
The pathways below explain how candidates from selected countries can progress toward registration with the MRTB and register for a role with Health New Zealand.
State of the art technology
Treatment machines include:
- Varian True Beam, Halcyon, and Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators
- HDR Brachytherapy
- Superficial X-ray therapy machines.
Treatment Planning Systems include:
- Eclipse
- Raystation
- Monaco.
Oncology Informatic Systems include:
- Aria
- Mosaiq.
State of the art technology
Treatment machines include:
- Varian True Beam, Halcyon, and Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators
- HDR Brachytherapy
- Superficial X-ray therapy machines.
Treatment Planning Systems include:
- Eclipse
- Raystation
- Monaco.
Oncology Informatic Systems include:
- Aria
- Mosaiq.
Regions to work as a Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists are employed in 6 districts across the motu, each providing you with the perfect fit to develop your career and meet your lifestyle needs.
You can explore our snow-capped mountains hiking or skiing, head down to our white sandy beaches with the local wildlife or spend time finding the perfect café for brunch. Whatever you are into, our teams can help match you to the perfect location.
A day in the life of a Radiation Therapist
Curious about what it’s like to work as a radiation therapist in New Zealand? This short video follows a therapist at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre as they deliver high-precision cancer care using advanced radiation technology.
You will see how they prepare treatment plans, work alongside oncologists and physicists, and support patients every step of the way. It is a rewarding role that combines technical skill with compassionate care.