Radiation Therapist - ONC (Radiation Oncology)

UPMC•Cumberland, MD

3h•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is hiring a full-time Radiation Therapist to support the UPMC Western Maryland Radiation Oncology Network office in Cumberland, Maryland. The position offers a $15,000 sign-on bonus and a regular full-time daylight schedule, Monday through Friday. The employee will be placed at the appropriate level of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Radiation Therapist career ladder based on education and experience. Under the direction of a radiation oncologist, the Radiation Therapist delivers prescribed radiation treatments and obtains localization images according to the planned treatment delivery. The role also includes assisting with contrast administration for treatment localization, measuring for treatment calculations, collecting and documenting simulation data, and entering treatment-related data into the verify-and-record system. The Radiation Therapist performs treatment, simulation, immobilization-device and shielding fabrication, radiosurgery, and brachytherapy procedures when applicable. The role supports patient safety, treatment quality assurance, regulatory readiness, patient education, and departmental quality-improvement activities. The employee may provide on-call coverage and assist at other UPMC Radiation Oncology locations as needed.

Requirements

Completion of a formal radiation therapy technology program in a JRCERT-accredited institution.
Maryland Radiology Tech license.
ARRT certification as a Radiologic Technologist; ARRT registration in good standing or Board Eligibility within six months of hire.
Maintain 24 CEUs per biennium as required for ARRT Certification and licensure.
CPR certification within 30 days of beginning employment; CPR must meet AHA standards and include didactic and skills-demonstration components.
ARRT Certificate.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Certified Radiation Therapy Technician.
Act 34 clearance.

Responsibilities

Deliver radiation treatments as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist and obtain localization images according to the planned treatment delivery.
Assist a physician or nurse with administration of contrast agents used during treatment localization.
Perform measurements used in treatment calculations; collect and document simulation data; and accurately input treatment-related data into the verify-and-record system.
Perform treatment, simulation, fabrication of immobilization devices and shielding, radiosurgery, and brachytherapy procedures when applicable, according to the written prescription and treatment plan.
Provide safe patient care by following departmental procedures, recognizing deviations from prescribed treatment delivery, and reporting deviations to the Chief Therapist or Physicist.
Document treatment records accurately and completely, and obtain portal images according to departmental procedures to support quality and consistency of treatment placement.
Explain treatment procedures to patients and/or families, respond to patient concerns, reinforce patient education and side-effect management information, and refer medical questions to appropriate personnel.
Observe patients for expected and unexpected treatment reactions and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff.
Maintain a safe and orderly treatment room and communicate equipment issues to appropriate site leadership.
Assist in orienting and supervising students during clinical rotations and assist the Chief Therapist in evaluating student performance.
Provide on-call coverage as directed by the Radiation Oncology Manager and assist at other UPMC Radiation Oncology locations if needed.
Participate in regulatory compliance activities and maintain departmental readiness for inspections and surveys; follow radiation safety standards, wear radiation monitoring and identification badges, and remain HIPAA compliant.
Complete required annual clinical competencies and participate in training programs needed to maintain ARRT Certification.
Participate in accurate and complete charge capture, notify site leadership of supply needs, maintain travel expenses according to policy, and use UPMC Cancer Centers resources effectively.
Prioritize patient safety and perform and document daily and weekly quality assurance activity for assigned equipment; document out-of-range findings and promptly notify the Chief Therapist.
Participate in quality-improvement activities, including Press Ganey, Quality Improvement Measures, Chart Rounding, and department meetings, and collaborate with the Radiation Oncologist, Manager, and team members to maintain service quality.
Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.