Radiation Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist, performs radiation therapy procedures including assisting in examinations and operation of therapeutic equipment.
• Delivers prescribed does of external beam and radioactive elements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Delivers accurately prescribed course of radiation therapy.
• Performs patient set-up accurately and carefully delivers correct dose per radiation oncologist orders. 40%
• Performs clinical simulations on treatment machine and on CT Simulator per radiation oncologist orders.15%
• Fabricates custom blocks or other patient immobilization devices.
• Accurately cuts molds, fabricates both electron and photon molds and fabricates both mounted and un-mounted blocks. 15%
• Maintains electronic medical record of daily treatments including keeping accurate dose totals of treatments and records when treatment aids are used, e.g., bolus, wedges, etc.
• Accurately uses electronic medical record for scheduling, billing, notes, photos, etc. 15%
• In treating patients, explains radiation therapy procedures appropriately and adequately, answers questions fully.
• Knows how and when to use patient immobilization devices, makes treatments as comfortable as possible using pillows, blankets, sponges, etc. and notifies physician and/or nurse of any treatment complications.15%
• Performs other job duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Satisfactory completion of formal training in radiation therapy in an AMA approved school.

Required Certification & Licensure:

• South Carolina Radiation Quality Standard Association (SCRQSA) Radiation Therapist.
• ARRT Radiation Therapy (T) certification.
• BLS thru the American Heart Association.

Required Experience:

• At least one year relevant radiation therapy experience required.
• Experience may include internships as part of the clinical education program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of radiation therapy theories, practices and procedures to provide quality care and treatment.
• Knowledge of radiation safety to ensure appropriate exposure to patients, staff and the public.
• Proficient in dose calculations and equipment operations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain exact patient records.
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, medical staff, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly.

Physical Demands & work Environment:

• Duties occur in all areas of the radiation oncology department including simulator, dark room, treatment and exam rooms.
• May be required to go to operating room or nursing unit to perform radioactive implants.
• Frequent standing and walking.
• Intermittent lifting, moving or carrying, pushing or pulling, up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity.
• Constant reaching with hands/arms.
• Frequent talking or hearing.
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue.
• Possible exposure to infectious materials, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, communicable diseases and/or other conditions common to a healthcare environment.
• Frequent exposure to risk of radiation.
• Intermittent exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Intermittent exposure to risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Quiet to moderate noise level in work area.
• Requires work under stressful conditions, deadlines, or irregular hours.
• May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.