Description

Job Title: Radiation Therapist

 
General Summary
Under general supervision, administers ionizing radiation therapy treatments to patients as prescribed by a physician in a detailed treatment plan, following established standards and practices.

 
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
Deliver prescribed and planned courses of radiation therapy to patients in accordance with physician instructions and departmental procedures.
Verify prescription, diagnosis, chart, patient identification, and other relevant information. Schedule patients, explain procedures, answer questions, and reassure patients before treatment.
Collaborate with physicists, planning/mold technicians, supportive care physicians, nurses, and social workers to implement therapy plans.
Prepare treatment room and equipment, including immobilization devices, field size, treatment parameters, and protective devices.
Safely transfer patients to treatment tables while managing IVs and catheters. Monitor patients visually and/or audibly during treatment. Document treatments and adjust therapy per physician’s orders.
Perform imaging of treated areas, process, and file films. Ensure compliance with radiation safety measures.
Accurately record patient charges and perform weekly billing audits.
Monitor patients for unusual reactions or events, withholding treatment if necessary and reporting significant findings. Assist in emergencies as needed.
Reinforce physician, dietitian, and care team recommendations regarding treatment reactions, care of radiated areas, and side effect management. Change dressings when necessary.
Comply with departmental policies, safety standards, quality assurance, environmental, and infection control practices.
Assist in maintaining facilities, equipment, and supplies; report maintenance and repair needs.
Prepare and calibrate beam therapy equipment, check protective devices, and report irregular operations.
Support orientation, training, and supervision of technical staff to ensure equipment competence.
Maintain required records, reports, and statistics.
Assist in training radiation therapy students.
Attend in-service meetings and other required sessions.
 

Requirements

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Graduation from an AMA-approved program in Radiation Therapy Technology or Radiologic Technology required.
Registration as a Radiation Therapy Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) required.
State licensure in Radiation Therapy Technology required.
Associate of Science degree in Radiation Therapy Technology preferred.
One year of clinical practice in radiation therapy preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of radiation therapy, radiologic technology, routine nursing procedures, radiation safety, dosimetry, mathematics/physics, anatomy, and physiology.
Ability to operate radiation therapy equipment including linear accelerators, cobalt treatment units, simulators, block cutting equipment, and related technology.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare staff.
Ability to provide age-appropriate, population-specific care and assess patient needs across the lifespan.