Radiation Therapist

WVU Medicine

19d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for accurately recording, interpreting, and administering radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. Radiation therapists take and analyze daily images and adjust patient positioning as needed to ensure accurate treatment. During simulation, they operate a CT scanner to obtain images that help physicians localize and outline the anatomical areas requiring treatment. Therapists have ongoing contact with patients throughout treatment, educating them about treatment and simulation procedures and potential radiation side effects. They monitor patients’ clinical progress and emotional needs and refer patients to physicians, nurses, or social service professionals when necessary. The position is based in a large clinical area and involves working with physicians, nurses, dosimetrists, physicists, and support staff, as well as using computers and radiation-producing equipment. The position offers a four 10-hour-shift schedule and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. State licensure is required for the state where services are provided; for West Virginia, this is licensure as a Radiation Therapist through the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board. Candidates must also hold ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy and obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire. A state and, if applicable, federal criminal background check is required for regulated areas.

Requirements

Current licensure as required by the state board where services are provided; for West Virginia, Radiation Therapist licensure through the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board.
Board certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiation Therapy.
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
State criminal background check and federal background check, if applicable, as required for regulated areas.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent logic and reasoning skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
Ability to distinguish shades of gray on a black-and-white monitor or photograph.
Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours a day.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and carry up to 20 pounds.
Ability to see details at close range (near vision).

Responsibilities

Administer external radiation therapy as prescribed by a radiation oncologist for curative or palliative treatment.
Ensure patient positioning, treatment equipment orientation, and treatment beam placement conform to the planned course of treatment; review charts and use image guidance to verify accuracy.
Perform simulations and localization according to established protocols and produce images for treatment planning and verification.
Calculate actual monitor units for emergent simulations performed after normal department hours.
Prepare and construct immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.
Assist radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists, and medical physicists with the physical and technical aspects of treatment plans by providing information about patients’ conditions and anatomy.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and families; answer questions, provide physical assistance, and reinforce physician advice about treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
Plan and perform patient treatment and imaging procedures in accordance with department quality standards and policy.
Perform daily equipment warm-up and quality checks, document quality assurance, and report variances to medical physics.
Determine technical charges for procedures and assign appropriate CPT codes.
Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities supporting process improvement and team building.
Maintain professional and technical competencies required by the organization and accreditation or licensing bodies.
May train and mentor students in Radiation Therapy Technology Programs and provide required feedback and assessments.
Schedule simulation and treatment procedures, coordinating with department schedules and patient appointments.