Registry Radiation Therapist

Emory•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist performs radiation treatment and simulation procedures under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist and as directed by the Radiation Oncologist. The role involves preparing patients, treatment rooms, and equipment; delivering prescribed radiation doses; documenting care; monitoring patients during procedures; and supporting safe, accurate, and consistent treatment delivery. The therapist operates CT simulation and related equipment, evaluates images and setup quality, and may assist with special procedures such as HDR, stereotactic radiosurgery, and implants. The position works collaboratively with radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, administration, and other members of the care team. It also supports patient scheduling, staff and student training, equipment and facility upkeep, quality assurance and improvement, regulatory compliance, and emergency treatments through on-call duties. Patient care is primarily for adults and geriatric patients, and may also include infants, children, and adolescents.

Requirements

Certificate or degree from an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program.
At minimum, registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or eligibility for registration.
For registry-eligible applicants, pass the registry exam within six months of employment.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Level I classification is described as less than three years of work experience as a radiation therapist.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.
Compliance with credentialing requirements and applicable annual training, infection-control, and Radiation Protection standards.

Responsibilities

Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures according to Radiation Oncologist instructions and departmental procedures.
Document simulation setup, procedure information, and treatment in accordance with departmental protocols.
Prepare and/or administer IV and oral contrast; perform point-of-care testing for pregnancy and before IV contrast administration.
Prepare the treatment room, equipment, immobilization devices, treatment devices, parameters, and protection devices according to the prescription and simulation.
Explain procedures and provide reassurance, answer questions, and transfer patients to the treatment table with care for IVs and catheters.
Review patient treatment plans and deliver prescribed doses; maintain or adjust patient markings as directed by the physician or as needed.
Keep the physician informed and adapt treatment in accordance with physician orders.
Acquire and analyze digital radiographs of treatment areas; evaluate images for technical quality and positioning.
Position and immobilize patients to promote consistent setup for daily treatments.
Operate the CT simulation unit and supporting equipment, including power injector, gating, and model-construction equipment.
Assist with special procedures, including HDR, stereotactic radiosurgery, and implants, as needed.
Perform initial setup checks to support daily consistency and confirm alignment among the prescription, treatment site, plan parameters, and other relevant information.
Monitor patients visually and audibly during therapy, use judgment regarding unusual reactions or events, and inform the physician when indicated before proceeding.
Report significant information and changes in patient condition or inappropriate treatment responses to designated supervisors, the Radiation Oncologist, or Nurse.
Collaborate with members of the patient's care team, including radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, and administration.
Schedule patients to support department efficiency and patient convenience.
Assist with orientation and training of new or transferred staff and support radiation therapy student training and oversight within program and departmental guidelines.
Assist with maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies; report maintenance and repair needs; maintain an orderly work area.
Participate in educational in-services and professional activities and organizations to maintain and expand knowledge.
Ensure patient charges for services rendered are accurately recorded.
Perform on-call duties to provide emergency treatments during non-clinic hours.
Demonstrate annual competency on applicable departmental equipment.
Participate in evaluation of treatment devices.
Maintain compliance with medical center and regulatory standards for annual training, infection control, Radiation Protection guidelines, and credentialing.
Ensure adherence to patient safety standards and comply with department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection-control requirements.
Complete daily quality assurance for CT scanners and linear accelerators; record results and report suboptimal system performance to the Medical Physicist and other designated personnel.
Conduct new-plan and therapist chart-check quality assurance audits for patients starting and receiving treatment; ensure setup instructions are recorded and plan timeouts are completed.
Support hospital and department quality and safety event learning processes; submit SAFE or RO-ILS reports as needed.
Participate in and support department quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
Review treatment protocol criteria to ensure treatment delivery follows guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Provide patient care and support appropriate to the ages served, primarily adults aged 18–65 and geriatric patients over 65, and potentially infants, children, and adolescents.