Radiation Med Therapist

Boston Medical Center•Boston, MA

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Radiation Medicine Technologist and working under general supervision, the Radiation Med Therapist delivers accurate radiation dosages using up-to-date equipment and documents treatments according to physician prescriptions to provide quality patient care. The position is in Radiation Oncology and is full time, 40 hours per week, on days. The therapist prepares and positions patients, reviews treatment charts and prescriptions, prepares treatment rooms and equipment, explains procedures, and supports patients during treatment. The role administers prescribed radiation therapy, monitors patients and treatment progress, performs dose calculations in the absence of the Radiation Physicist, assists with treatment planning and verification, and documents treatment accurately. The therapist also maintains and inspects equipment, supplies, and records; follows hospital safety and infection-control procedures; and provides courteous, confidential, patient-centered service.

Requirements

Associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, with knowledge of Radiation Medicine.
Current license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
One to three years of on-the-job training or equivalent familiarity with department policies and procedures, equipment, and proper equipment setup.
Analytical ability to determine appropriate equipment and patient setup, calculate treatment length, and detect adverse treatment reactions.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to work with others and deal effectively with patients.

Responsibilities

Prepare and position patients according to established procedures, including transferring patients to the treatment table when needed.
Review treatment charts for prescriptions, treatment times, and prescribed doses; prepare the treatment room and equipment.
Explain procedures, reassure patients about treatment reactions, and advise them on care of irradiated body areas.
Set up equipment and controls, place blocks or wedges as necessary, and administer prescribed radiation therapy using radiation machines.
Monitor patients during treatment for movement and observe their overall condition for skin changes, discoloration, or other symptoms; consult a physician when indicated.
Ensure blood counts and port films are satisfactory and recorded weekly.
Calculate surface, depth, cumulative, and total radiation doses in the absence of the Radiation Physicist.
Assist the Physicist with patient contours and measurements and with verifying treatment plans.
Document exact dosages and treatment-field diagrams in patient charts, updating diagrams to reflect physician-ordered changes.
Clean and maintain equipment; keep treatment rooms supplied and clean; inspect safety interlocks and report equipment malfunctions.
Perform related clerical and technical duties, including maintaining records, scheduling appointments, and attending patient care conferences.
Keep current with developments in radiation therapy through technical journals, educational programs, and meetings.
Follow hospital standards of performance and conduct, maintain courteous professional relationships, protect confidential information, and follow infection-control and safety procedures.
Perform other duties as needed.