Radiation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

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

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE and REGISTRATION:
1. Completion of an accredited program of radiation therapy technology.
2. 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. (*360-days is the maximum period for an Arkansas Department of Health temporary license without having passed the registry.)
3. Current Licensure as a Radiation Therapist with the Arkansas Department of Health.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:
1. Skill and proficiency in the technical field of radiation therapy technology
2. Knowledge of institution and departmental policies and procedures, chart coding, scheduling, physicians' protocols (prerogatives), equipment operation, maintenance, safety and quality control guidelines as acquired through clinical rotation of all treatment areas (machines) for a period of six months to one and one-half years.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: Subject to overtime and call back as required by the institution. May be required to travel to other CARTI centers to assist as workloads require.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs radiation therapy procedures according to physician's orders and departmental guidelines, determines and prepares set-up within established parameters, calculates monitor units and records patient treatment information in chart while maintaining confidentiality.
2. Performs daily warm-up and start-up procedures of equipment, quality control checks and notifies proper personnel of equipment malfunction and/or adverse conditions.
3. Communicates to patients and families pertinent information pertaining to routine during radiation therapy, i.e., appointments, skin care, treatment field care, proper attire, etc.
4. Assess and evaluates patient needs and treatment problems, recommends intervention and acts in accordance with physician practices and departmental policies while maintaining confidentiality.
5. Investigates problems or unsatisfactory procedures and recommends possible solutions.
6. Constructs patient treatment aids, bolus material, positioning and immobilization devices and checks for suitability and accuracy.
7. Performs checks on patient's charts for accuracy and proper documentation according to established procedures.
8. Schedules patients for daily treatments.
9. Maintains quality control of patient charts and treatment parameters by implementing guidelines on a regular basis.
10. Maintains room cleanliness, linens and needed supplies in treatment room and notifies proper personnel of areas needing attention.
11. Evaluates accessories for damage and coordinates repair.
12. Evaluates, teaches and monitors the clinical and didactic education of radiation therapy and diagnostic students.
13. Monitors and adheres to general radiation safety guidelines.
14. Implements new processes regarding EMR updates and equipment updates.