Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Delivers therapeutic radiation in accordance with the prescription and instructions provided by the Radiation Oncologist.
• Checks the prescription to ensure accuracy of dosage and to eliminate errors.
• Takes and interprets port-images to determine accuracy; ensures image is reviewed and approved by a Radiation Oncologist.
• Prepares treatment room and equipment for patient including immobilization devices, field parameters and beam shaping.
• Explains procedures and setup patients for treatment.
• Observes and reports changes in patient’s condition to the Radiation Oncologist or radiation therapy nurse.
• Records treatment administered in patients’ charts and record/verify system.
• Performs chart check and report any discrepancy.
• Performs daily QA and safety check as required by the regulations.
• Maintains equipment in safe and good working condition.
• Reports defects or deficiencies for adjustment and repair to the chief technologist and/or medical physicist.
• Maintains work area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Stock and replenish supplies as needed.
• Performs other related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately sets-up patients for treatment.
• Administers radiation treatments.
• Maintains accurate daily treatment records.
• Perform simple dose calculations using computer software.
• Checks the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription to determine any mathematical or technical errors.
• Performs safety checks on treatment machines/simulators and records data daily.
• Verifies/Localizes treatment area using radiographic film or electronic medium and submits films to appropriate staff for further action.
• Interprets beam films to determine accuracy and follows through with having films checked and approved by the appropriate Radiation Oncologist.
• Understands the function of the equipment and is able to use it to its full potential. Understands the use of wedges and compensating filters, appreciates the misuse or omission during treatment.
• Understand all procedures and practices before proceeding with the patient set-up. Contacts the appropriate staff if uncomfortable or unsure of procedure.
• Detects treatment unit malfunctions and knows when safe limits of malfunction have been reached.
• Reports malfunction to Senior Therapist, Chief Therapist and Physics.
• Explains treatment procedure to patients, answer questions, and reassures patient in order to alleviate fears and/or apprehension. Tends to patient modesty.
• Maintains visual and audible communication with the patient during treatment.
• Reports any unusual or adverse patient reactions, as a result of radiation treatment, to the appropriate staff member.
• Is responsible for instructing student radiation therapist.
• Assists Senior Therapist in the evaluation of students at the end of their rotation.
• Maintains an organized treatment room, stocked with supplies.
• Assist Senior Therapist with chart checks and scheduling as needed.
• Attends chart rounds, displays films and participates in discussion of patient treatment.
• Attends in service and ad hoc training sessions.
• Creates immobilization devices during simulator rotation.
• Create/adjust shielding block as needed.
• Keeps patients in waiting area informed of delays and any progress made in the resolution of the delays.
• Displays professional behavior at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Graduate of AMA approved school in radiation therapy.

Skills and Experience:

• 2 yrs of recent experience required.
• Experience on Varian TrueBeam technology & EMR.
• One year experience in clinical therapeutic radiation therapy.

Schedule Hours Per Week: 40.00
Schedule Hours Per Day: 8.00
Schedule Days Per Week: 5.00