Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Staff radiation therapist is responsible for delivering ionizing radiation therapy treatments as determined by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Administers prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Prepares and constructs equipment such as immobilization devices as needed or prescribed by the physician.
• Prepares and keeps stock of the treatment rooms.
• Under the direction of the manager may assume additional therapist responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Patient Treatment Management:

• Continuously acts in the best interest of the patient under departmental guidelines.
• Verifies correct patient prior to each procedure.
• Delivers precise and efficient ionizing radiation treatment to the patient as prescribed by the radiation oncologist and established practices and policies of the department.
• Prepares and educates patients and families for simulation and treatment.
• Schedules patients for treatment courses and notify appropriate individuals, including if need be other departments.
• Provides physical support while patients are under the supervision of the radiation therapist.
• Observes and reassures patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
• Records all treatment deliveries in patient’s electronic medical record.
• Maintains patient treatment record and quality checklist.
• Takes all necessary photos of the patient for the permanent treatment record
• Reports and files a report of any treatment errors to the physics department and radiation oncologist
• Acts as liaison within the department to proper communication.
• Follows principles of ALRA at all times within the radiation therapy department
• Notifies patients of delay in treatment due to machine malfunction.
• Performs weekly chart checks and audits billing charges.
• Maintains and develops the treatment schedule with patients.

2. Radiation Therapy Equipment Management:

• Follows established procedures to operate linear accelerator and accessories, block fabrication, related EMR’s.
• Performs basic dosimetry calculations.
• Accesses radiation therapy equipment for malfunction and reports them as necessary.
• Checks radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Follows principles of radiation protection for patient, self and others.
• Trains students of radiation therapy.

3. Radiation Therapy Technology:

• Administers prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Prepares and constructs equipment such as immobilization devices as needed or prescribed by the physician.
• Prepares and keeps stock of the simulation and treatment rooms.
• Reviews and practices all policies and procedures within the department.
• Operates specified equipment within the radiation therapy department.
• Records and verifies computer system, and IGRT and Portal vision system.
• Positions patients for treatment with accuracy according to prescription.
• Reviews prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification of patient.
• Takes all necessary photos of the patient including identification and setup.
• Enters and maintains data in the record and verify computer system, including the scheduling of patients.
• Helps physicians, physicists and dosimetrists to prepare physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
• Performs and delivers TBI treatments per therapy protocol.

Required Education:

• High school diploma or GED.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• ARRT registration in radiation therapy or be board eligible by completing the appropriate school of radiation therapy.
• Candidate will need to pass board exam within three months of hire date.
• Continuing education in radiation therapy field and must continue to hold ARRT registry.
• BLS certification and possess the ability to perform CPR if needed in a medical emergency.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Successful radiation therapy internship.
• Excellent patient relations skills required.
• Strong technical/computer usage skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.