Radiation Therapist

Summary

The Staff Radiation Therapist in the Radiation Oncology Department applies ionizing radiation to adult and geriatric patients in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist. They must be capable of operating radiation-producing equipment utilizing radiation safety measures, and be able to perform a series of complex and precise technical procedures.


Responsibilities

• (60%)* Responsible for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose of radiation for treatment of cancer. Verifies calculations of treatment values and prescription according to parameters. Takes images as directed by the radiation oncologist prescription. Carries outpatient treatment parameters in accordance with set up instructions and proper immobilization to accurately deliver radiation to the proper site and dosage. Assists in the fabrication of treatment devices when required. Assists physicians with various procedures by making recommendations and/or suggestions with regard to technical limitations of equipment or patients and the ability to successfully administer therapy. Refers patients to the physician or nurse when indicated due to changes in symptoms and/or treatment side effects. Schedules patients for outpatient appointments. Maintains supplies and inventories. Provides instruction and supervision to students participating in a clinical program. Completes weekly patient chart checks to maintain quality and accuracy.
• (30%)* Performs proper documentation in the patient treatment record according to procedure which is consistent with an environment of safety and good communication.
• (10%)* Responsible for monitoring equipment operations and reporting of any malfunctions or peculiarities to the manager and/or radiation physicist to ensure proper function prior to treatment of patients. Performs morning QA output checks on a daily basis consistent with radiation physicist recommendation.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintains compliance with State and Federal regulations, and applicable accreditation requirements in regard to radiation safety and protection for patients and staff.

Attends scheduled in-services to review policy/procedure and safety measures.

Maintains American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) certification and demonstrates evidence of.

Follows hospital dress code and wears appropriate monitoring device to detect personnel exposure.

Performs and documents proper charge capture for all procedures performed.

Proficient in simulation and fabricating treatment devices.

Participates in process improvement activities.

Contributes to the development of students in the department and is responsible for teaching and completing radiation therapy student competencies.

May be asked to rotate to another Radiation Therapy center to cover staff shortages or fluctuations in patient volume.

Has a thorough understanding of proper billing practices and is able to use site specific office management system for scheduling and billing.


The department manager will decide specifically which employee (s) in the radiation therapist job title that will be assigned to take call/ standby pay and receive additional compensation. These decisions shall be made fairly and equitably using work and skill related factors. All status hour radiation therapists will be required to be placed into the On Call/ Standby rotation, as determined by the department manager.

Other duties as assigned.


Certifications and Licensures

BLS: Basic Life Support

Within 1 month of hire or transfer

ARRT RT: Reg Radiation Therapist

**Must be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or registry eligible and registered within one year of employment.


Required Education

High School diploma or GED required (at the time of hire or transfer to position) and must be a graduate from an accredited Radiation Therapy School.


Bachelor's degree in radiation therapy preferred.


Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

Must possess knowledge of a variety of treatment modalities including experience with Linear Accelerators and Simulators.

Excellent verbal and writing communication skills are required.

A minimum of 6 months clinical experience in Radiation Therapy, which is equivalent to one-year clinical experience, gained from an accredited radiation Therapy School

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with others in person and on the telephone.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Experience in treatment planning and computer dosimetry desired.


PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.


Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.


Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.


Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.


Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.


Physical Demand Level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.