Radiation Therapist

SunState Medical Specialists•Venice, FL

26d

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 ensure a positive patient experience and requires adherence to radiation safety standards for patients and staff. Depending on the location, the therapist may operate radiation therapy machines and CT simulator technology using treatment techniques such as 3D Conformal, IMRT, SRS/SBRT, IGRT, and Brachytherapy. The therapist works with lead or senior therapists, physicians, nurses, physics and dosimetry departments, and other staff to support safe, timely, and accurate treatment delivery. The position also involves patient education and support, documentation, equipment quality assurance, scheduling, training, and compliance with professional and organizational standards. After-hours and weekend therapist coverage may be assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved School for Radiation Therapy.
ARRT Registered Technologist (T).
State licensure where required.
In good standing with continuing education and license requirements.
CPR certified.
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, or protection devices.
Position patients accurately for simulation and treatment according to the prescription.
Administer prescribed radiation doses to specific body parts using radiation therapy equipment and 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 by following established quality assurance and warm-up procedures.
Report machine and equipment problems through established procedures.
Review the prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and patient identification before initiating treatment.
Apply radiation protection principles for patients, self, and others, including ALARA.
Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to the physician.
Respond to medical emergencies by calling 911, immediately notifying the physician, nurse, and supervisor on duty, and documenting when 911 is called and when responders arrive.
Check for treatment side effects and notify appropriate staff, such as the lead or senior therapist, nurse, or physician.
Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physician guidance 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 help newly hired Radiation Therapists acclimate.
Attend and participate in mandatory work-related meetings and training, including chart rounds.
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 areas of operation during idle time.
Operate applicable radiation therapy machines and CT simulator technology at the assigned location, using available treatment techniques.
Develop a cross-training plan with the lead or senior therapist for unfamiliar equipment and technology when permitted by licensure or certification.
Maintain productive relationships with the physics and dosimetry departments.
Follow established practice patterns to ensure treatment plans are ready on time, including quality assurance before treatment initiation and follow-up.
Follow the established Machine Problem Reporting process and complete reporting according to policy.
Reconcile daily treatment counts with captured DTS counts, ensure accuracy, and report inaccuracies to the lead or senior therapist daily.
Assist with generating statistical reports requested by Administration, such as weekly patient forecasts.
Provide after-hours and weekend therapist coverage when assigned.
Follow ARRT and ASRT codes of ethics and practice standards.
Maintain licensure and certification required by state law and company policy.
Follow established policies and procedures for reporting treatment variances.
Report work-related injuries to a supervisor immediately.
Attend and participate in regularly scheduled technical and clinical staff meetings.
Participate in OSHA-related activities, including drills.
Complete assigned competencies, mandatory training, and compliance activities.
Monitor department supply levels and report low inventory to a supervisor before supplies run out.