Radiation Therapist

Overview

Primarily responsible for delivering high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist; performs radiation therapy duties characterized by a greater degree of work independence and less common radiation treatments; delivers planned courses of radiation therapy; maintains accurate records; verifies records and treatments; applies principles of radiation protection; regulates radioactive material; provides special procedures; provides quality assurance support. Does this position require Patient Care?

Yes

• Administers radiation therapy treatment accurately and safely, following departmental policy and procedure.
• Understands the function of all equipment, accessories, treatment policies, procedures, and protocols and applies knowledge appropriately.
• Assists with the triage of emergent cases and demonstrates the ability to negotiate the scheduling of emergent cases with other care team members.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development from all life stages, ranging from infancy to geriatric.
• Utilizes the Quality Assurance (QA) program to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery, and quality patient care.

Under the direction of the Chief and Lead Radiation Therapists, the Staff/Senior Radiation Therapist will demonstrate essential skills of treatment modalities and protocols to accurately set-up and administer daily radiotherapy treatments. The Staff/Senior Radiation Therapist communicates effectively with patients, families, medical staff, and healthcare team. May be required to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in one or more specialty areas and programs, including but not limited to:

• GE & Siemens Simulators
• Varian Linacs, including Ethos
• Tattoo-less treatments using Align
  
  RT, Brainlab, SBRT, SRS/SRT, HDR, TBI, IMRT, VMAT, and Pediatric Anesthesia cases
• Brachytherapy/HDR

Note:

Removed italic formatting.

Other opportunities for growth & training include:

• MR Simulator
• MR Linac
• RTT Contouring and Adaptive Planning

• Essential Functions

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Educates patients/families regarding procedure and/or treatment to be performed. Demonstrates professional behavior/conduct in all interactions.
• Fosters teamwork, efficient use of resources and quality patient outcomes.
• Operates treatment and treatment planning equipment to include simulation in accordance with departmental policy. Prepares treatments and administers prescribed doses in accordance with established policies. Prepares and maintains accurate documentation.
• Positions and immobilizes patients according to the treatment plan and effectively evaluates images according to standard guidelines and assists in solving set-up issues.
• Works professionally and collaboratively with all members of the care team, including Physicians, nurses, physics and dosimetry staff, medical assistants, practice assistants.
• Understands the function of all equipment, accessories, treatment policies, procedures, and protocols and applies knowledge appropriately.
• Performs daily QA measures to ensure proficient operation of all imaging and treatment equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to accurately perform all required New Start chart checks, Cone Down chart checks, and weekly chart checks.
• Attentive to patient needs and concerns by continuous monitoring of the patient s physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.
• Participates in some clinical instruction and evaluation of the Radiation Therapy students.
• Other duties as assigned.

For Senior Therapist, applicants must meet staff requirements in addition to the following:

• Assists the Lead Radiation Therapist in the efficient operation of the assigned clinical area.
• Works with the Lead and Chief Radiation Therapist to develop new techniques and assist with emerging technology projects.
• Assists with the triage and scheduling of emergent cases with other care team members
• Assists with orientation, teaching, and instructing new staff and students.

• High School Diploma or equivalent with certificate in Radiation Therapy or associates degree in Radiation Therapy
• Valid Massachusetts State License in Radiation Therapy
• Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining valid ARRT certification within 6 months of hire date
• Valid BLS certification

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching…