Radiation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Physician and Lead Therapist, the Radiation Therapists will be responsible for performing specialized tasks involved with the treatment of patients involving radiation therapy as directed by the physician and in accordance with radiation safety procedures.

Operates all radiation therapy equipment, sets-up and treats patients as per physician prescription, maintains patient treatment records, provides instruction to patients, practices radiation safety principles, practices sterile technique and maintains assigned work area.

Performs the following duties personally and coordinates with team members to ensure successful completion of assigned tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Duties:

• Personally undertakes radiation therapy planning and treatment responsibilities and associated duties.
• Operates all CT/SIM and treatment equipment including linear accelerators and high dose rate after loading machine.
• Operates treatment machines as well as all patient support assemblies as well as Record and Verify system.
• Treats patients with prescribed mode, energy, dose, and monitor units/treatment time as prescribed by a physician.
• Performs patient set-ups as per physician prescription and according to Department Policies and Procedures.
• Participates in a team approach to giving radiation treatments.
• Maintains treatment records, schedules patient treatments, and provides patient instructions.
• Makes patient set-up devices, immobilization devices, and radiation field-shaping blocks.
• Prepares patient treatment chart.
• Exhibits standards of professional behavior appropriate to the age-specific needs of each patient.
• Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others-ALARA.
• Prevents transmission of infectious disease through adherence to infection control practices.
• Check radiation therapy and simulation equipment to ensure proper operation following established quality assurance and warm-up procedures.
• Train or supervise student or newly hired radiotherapy technologists.
• Reports machine and equipment problems following the established procedure.
• Attend and participate in mandatory work related meetings and training sessions including chart rounds.
   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• A.A. Degree from two-year college in health services and sciences, preferred.
• Over 1 year up to and including 3 years or prior experience.
• Must be in good standing with all CE and license requirements.
• Must be competent in Radiation Therapy, CT & treatment planning.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES and REGISTRATIONS

• Radiologic Technologist Certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate-Radiation Therapy Technologist from American  Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• Radiologic Technologist Certificate [California]
• CPR Certified
• Registration as a Radiation Therapist

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work co-operatively within a multidisciplinary team and assist other team members to achieve team objectives and work outcomes.  
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated technical competence in all areas of radiotherapy (treatment and planning), including comprehensive knowledge of contemporary radiotherapy modalities and techniques.
• Strong knowledge of radiotherapy and associated allied healthcare services.
• Demonstrated commitment to high quality patient care.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
• Follow CRO policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.