Radiation Therapist

WVU Medicine

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist accurately records, interprets, and administers radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. The therapist acquires and analyzes daily images and adjusts patient positioning as needed to support accurate treatment. During simulation, the therapist operates a CT scanner to obtain images that help the physician localize and outline the anatomical areas requiring treatment. Radiation therapists maintain ongoing contact with patients throughout treatment. They explain treatment and simulation procedures and potential radiation side effects, monitor patients’ clinical progress and emotional needs, and refer them to physicians, nurses, or social service professionals when necessary. The role works as part of a healthcare team and may include training and mentoring students in radiation therapy programs. This is a 40-hour-per-week, day-shift position at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The work takes place in a large clinical area involving collaboration with physicians, nurses, dosimetrists, physicists, and support staff, and involves computers and radiation-producing equipment.

Requirements

Current licensure as required by the state board where services are provided; in West Virginia, licensure as a Radiation Therapist 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.
Complete 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 departmental approaches.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
Ability to differentiate 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.
Near vision sufficient to see details at close range.

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 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 planning by providing information about patients’ conditions and anatomy.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and families; answer questions, provide physical assistance, and reinforce advice about treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
Plan and perform patient treatment and imaging procedures in accordance with department quality standards and policies.
Perform daily equipment warm-up and quality checks, document quality assurance, and report variances to medical physics.
Determine technical charges based on procedures performed and assign the appropriate CPT code.
Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities supporting process improvement and team building.
Maintain professional and technical competencies required by the organization and applicable accreditation and licensing bodies.
May train and mentor students in Radiation Therapy Technology Programs and provide required feedback and assessments.
Schedule patients for simulation and treatment, coordinating with other department schedules and patient appointments.