Radiation Therapist

About the Role

Responsible for administering, simulating, and recording radiation treatments to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist. This includes accurately delivering the prescribed dose, imaging tumor volumes, and outlining the corresponding target on the patient’s surface. The role involves performing radiation therapy procedures, dose calculations, chart checks, and routine consistency QA checks on treatment machines and simulator/CT machines to ensure high-quality radiation therapy.

Responsibilities

• Performs radiation therapy procedures according to physician's orders and departmental guidelines, including determining and preparing set-ups, calculating monitor units, and recording patient treatment information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Performs daily warm-up and start-up procedures of equipment, quality control checks, and notifies proper personnel of equipment malfunction or adverse conditions.
• Communicates pertinent information to patients and families regarding radiation therapy routines, such as appointments, skin care, treatment field care, and proper attire.
• Assesses and evaluates patient needs and treatment problems, recommends interventions, and acts in accordance with physician practices and departmental policies while maintaining confidentiality.
• Investigates problems or unsatisfactory procedures and recommends possible solutions.
• Constructs patient treatment aids, bolus material, positioning, and immobilization devices, and checks for suitability and accuracy.
• Performs checks on patient charts for accuracy and proper documentation according to established procedures.
• Schedules patients for daily treatments.
• Maintains quality control of patient charts and treatment parameters by implementing guidelines regularly.
• Maintains room cleanliness, linens, and needed supplies in the treatment room, and notifies proper personnel of areas needing attention.
• Evaluates accessories for damage and coordinates repair.
• Evaluates, teaches, and monitors the clinical and didactic education of radiation therapy and diagnostic students.
• Monitors and adheres to general radiation safety guidelines.
• Implements new processes regarding EMR updates and equipment updates.
• Subject to overtime and call back as required by the institution.
• May be required to travel to multiple CARTI Cancer Centers and Clinics.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited program of radiation therapy technology.
• Current registration as a radiation therapist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or registry eligible with a passing score within 360 days from date of employment.
• Current licensure as a Radiation Therapist with the Arkansas Department of Health.
• BLS certification required.

Skills and Abilities

• Skill and proficiency in the technical field of radiation therapy technology.
• Knowledge of institution and departmental policies and procedures, chart coding, scheduling, physicians' protocols, equipment operation, maintenance, safety, and quality control guidelines, typically acquired through 6 months to 1.5 years of clinical rotation.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate verbally and in writing with physicians, departmental personnel, and outside agencies while respecting patient confidentiality.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy when making recommendations, reporting errors, or discussing patient treatments.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently performs moderate lifting of patients, machine accessories, and patient devices/equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment described is representative of what an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Potential exposure to infectious diseases; appropriate vaccinations and safety training are provided.
• This position is designated as safety-sensitive, requiring the employee to maintain a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.