Radiation Therapist

Required Experience:
-At least one year relevant radiation therapy experience required. Experience may include internships as part of the clinical education program.

Required Education:
-High School Diploma/GED
-Satisfactory completion of formal training in radiation therapy in an AMA approved school

Required Certification & Licensure:
-South Carolina Radiation Quality Standard Association (SCRQSA) Radiation Therapist
-ARRT Radiation Therapy (T) certification
-BLS thru the American Heart Association

Job Summary :
Under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist, performs radiation therapy procedures including assisting in examinations and operation of therapeutic equipment. Delivers prescribed does of external beam and radioactive elements.

Duties occur in all areas of the radiation oncology department including simulator, dark room, treatment and exam rooms. May be required to go to operating room or nursing unit to perform radioactive implants.
Frequent standing and walking. Intermittent lifting, moving or carrying, pushing or pulling, up to 50 lbs. Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity. Constant reaching with hands/arms. Frequent talking or hearing. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue. Possible exposure to infectious materials, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, communicable diseases and/or other conditions common to a healthcare environment. Frequent exposure to risk of radiation. Intermittent exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. Intermittent exposure to risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Quiet to moderate noise level in work area. Requires work under stressful conditions, deadlines, or irregular hours. May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.

1. Delivers accurately prescribed course of radiation therapy. Performs patient set-up accurately and carefully delivers correct dose per radiation oncologist orders.40%
2. Performs clinical simulations on treatment machine and on CT Simulator per radiation oncologist orders.15%
3. Fabricates custom blocks or other patient immobilization devices. Accurately cuts molds, fabricates both electron and photon molds and fabricates both mounted and un-mounted blocks.15%
4. Maintains electronic medical record of daily treatments including keeping accurate dose totals of treatments and records when treatment aids are used, e.g., bolus, wedges, etc. Accurately uses electronic medical record for scheduling, billing, notes, photos, etc.15%

5. In treating patients, explains radiation therapy procedures appropriately and adequately, answers questions fully. Knows how and when to use patient immobilization devices, makes treatments as comfortable as possible using pillows, blankets, sponges, etc. and notifies physician and/or nurse of any treatment complications.15%

Contacts: Will have constant interaction with Oncology patients and their families. Will interact daily with Radiation Oncologists, Radiation Therapists, Physicists and other departmental employees. Will also interact daily with nursing staff in other departments. May occasionally be asked to interact with outside vendors and the general public.

Knowledge/Skills : Knowledge of radiation therapy theories, practices and procedures to provide quality care and treatment. Knowledge of radiation safety to ensure appropriate exposure to patients, staff and the public. Proficient in dose calculations and equipment operations. Ability to prepare and maintain exact patient records. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, medical staff, co-workers and the public. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly.Other: Ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions. Must be self directed and able to work independently. Professional and neat appearance is required. Must maintain strict confidentially to work related information.