Radiation Therapist

SunState Medical Specialists•Lauderdale Lakes, FL

11d

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist coordinates, plans, and administers comprehensive, age- and disease-appropriate radiotherapy to oncology patients of all age groups. The role uses radiation therapy equipment, computers, and established techniques to support a positive patient experience and applies radiation safety standards for patients and staff. Depending on the location, the therapist may operate radiation therapy machines and CT simulator technology using techniques such as 3D Conformal, IMRT, SRS/SBRT, IGRT, and brachytherapy.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved School for Radiation Therapy.
ARRT Registered Technologist (T).
State license where required.
Maintain good standing with continuing education and license requirements.
CPR certification.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Computer literacy, including experience with Record & Verify Applications, Treatment Delivery Applications, Electronic Medical Record, OWAN, DTS, and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Prepare or construct immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.
Position patients accurately for simulation and treatment according to prescription.
Administer prescribed radiation doses to specific body parts according to established practices and standards.
Document simulations, treatments, and patient care activities in the EMR, and assist other departments with proper documentation.
Check radiation therapy and simulation equipment for proper operation using established quality assurance and warm-up procedures, and report equipment problems through the established process.
Review the prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and patient identification before initiating treatment.
Follow ALARA principles and radiation protection practices for patients, staff, and others.
Observe and reassure patients during treatment, report unusual reactions to physicians, and check for treatment side effects, notifying appropriate clinical staff.
Respond to medical emergencies by calling 911 and immediately notifying the physician, nurse, and supervisor on duty; document when the call is made and responders arrive.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physician advice about treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
Coordinate and plan patient schedules efficiently to optimize resources.
Interact professionally with internal and external customers.
Train or supervise students and assist newly hired Radiation Therapists with acclimation.
Attend and participate in mandatory work-related meetings and training, including chart rounds and technical or clinical staff meetings.
Perform documented chart reviews and report issues to the Lead or Senior Therapist.
Assign tasks through the EMR to communicate pending work.
Provide float coverage in other operational areas during idle time.
Operate radiation therapy machines and CT simulator technology at the assigned location, as applicable, and develop a cross-training plan with the Lead or Senior Therapist for unfamiliar equipment and technology when permitted by licensure or certification.
Maintain a productive relationship with physics and dosimetry departments.
Follow established practice patterns for timely treatment-plan readiness, including quality assurance before treatment initiation and follow-up.
Reconcile daily treatment counts with captured DTS counts, report inaccuracies to the Lead or Senior Therapist daily, and assist with administrative statistical reports such as weekly patient forecasts.
Understand the possibility of assigned after-hours and weekend therapist coverage.
Follow ARRT and ASRT codes of ethics and practice standards, licensure and certification requirements, and established policies and procedures for reporting treatment variances.
Report work-related injuries to the supervisor immediately.
Participate in OSHA-related activities, including drills.
Complete required competencies, mandatory training, and compliance activities.
Monitor departmental supply levels and notify the supervisor before supplies reach zero.