Radiation Therapist I

Responsibilities

• Delivers and records complex radiation therapy treatments under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist.
• Works closely with the medical team to review images and port films for patient set‑ups, selection of treatment devices and verification.
• Performs daily quality assurance (QA) on equipment prior to treatment; recognizes equipment malfunctions, troubleshoots, initiates corrective measures, reports irregularities, and collaborates with clinical engineering to resolve issues.
• Enters and maintains patient treatment parameters in electronic medical records.
• Maintains patient appointment schedule and ensures proper charge capture for treatments.
• Performs conventional and computed tomography (CT) simulation in preparation for patient treatment; cuts blocks, makes custom immobilization, and completes monitor unit (MU) calculations in the absence of a Dosimetrist or Physicist.
• Rapidly adopts and champions implementation of new technology and techniques; serves as a technical resource, role model and/or preceptor for staff.
• Assists with accreditation process and departmental QA activities as assigned; leads development of new competencies or assists in completion of competencies for other staff.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including understanding growth and development across the lifespan and interpreting age‑specific data to meet each patient’s requirements as outlined in departmental policies and procedures.

Licensure / Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) – must be obtained within 6 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
• Radiation Therapy (RT) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Education

Advanced training beyond high school that includes completion of an accredited or approved program in Radiation Therapy or a related field.

Experience

Typically requires 3 years of experience in a Radiation Therapist position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of treatment planning and treatment techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of record‑and‑verify systems, radiation oncology equipment, and electronic medical record systems.
• Advanced ability to learn and apply complex radiation therapy principles and computer techniques for treatment, image capture, display, and analysis of radiation therapy image data.
• Proficiency with general and specialized radiation equipment.
• Intermediate computer skills and familiarity with electronic health records.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, patients, and their families.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lb from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 20 lb over the head.
• Carry up to 40 lb a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with 30 lb of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lb with a second person present.
• Utilize proper body mechanics; stand/walk 95 % of the time; lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards.
• Must have clear speech, vision, and hearing.