Registry Radiation Therapist

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist performs radiation treatment and simulation procedures as directed by the Radiation Oncologist and in accordance with departmental procedures. The role includes documenting simulation setups and procedures, preparing and/or administering IV and oral contrast, and performing point-of-care testing for pregnancy and before IV contrast administration. The therapist prepares treatment rooms and equipment, positions and transfers patients safely, verifies treatment parameters and protective devices, explains procedures, responds to patient questions, and delivers prescribed doses while maintaining treatment markings and documenting care. The therapist operates CT simulation equipment and supporting tools, including power injectors and gating equipment. The position may assist with HDR, stereotactic radiosurgery, and implant procedures. Responsibilities include acquiring and assessing digital radiographs, evaluating image quality and positioning, checking treatment setups and plans for consistency, monitoring patients during treatment, and communicating relevant changes or concerns to physicians and supervisory staff. The therapist collaborates with the patient's care team, schedules treatments, supports training of staff and students, and assists with equipment, facility, and supply maintenance. The role also includes on-call emergency treatments, annual competency demonstrations, accurate recording of patient charges, daily quality assurance for CT scanners and linear accelerators, treatment plan and chart-check audits, and participation in department quality and safety initiatives. The therapist maintains compliance with medical center and regulatory standards for training, infection control, radiation protection, credentialing, and patient safety. Patient care is primarily for adults ages 18–65 and geriatric patients over 65, and may also include infants, children, and adolescents. Emory is an equal opportunity employer. Emory Healthcare provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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 registry.
For registry-eligible applicants, pass the registry exam within 6 months of employment.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Level I applies to those with less than 3 years of work experience as a radiation therapist.

Responsibilities

Perform radiation treatment and simulation procedures as directed by the Radiation Oncologist and departmental procedures.
Document simulation setups, procedures, and treatments in accordance with departmental protocols.
Prepare and/or administer IV and oral contrast and perform point-of-care testing for pregnancy and before IV contrast administration.
Prepare treatment rooms and equipment, position and immobilize patients, verify treatment parameters and protective devices, and deliver prescribed doses.
Explain procedures, answer patient questions, provide reassurance, and transfer patients safely to treatment tables.
Maintain and update patient markings as directed by the physician or as needed.
Operate the CT simulation unit and supporting equipment, including power injectors, gating equipment, and model construction equipment.
Assist with special procedures, including HDR, stereotactic radiosurgery, and implants, as needed.
Acquire and analyze digital radiographs; assess image quality and positioning.
Perform initial setup checks and confirm consistency among the prescription, treatment site, plan parameters, and related information.
Monitor patients during treatment and notify the physician when a patient's condition warrants it; report significant information to supervisory personnel.
Collaborate with radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, social workers, administration, and other care team members.
Schedule patients to support department efficiency and patient convenience.
Assist with orientation and training of new or transferring staff and support training and oversight of radiation therapy students.
Assist with maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies; report maintenance and repair needs.
Participate in educational in-services and professional activities and organizations.
Accurately record charges for services rendered.
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 and maintain compliance with medical center and regulatory standards.
Complete daily quality assurance for CT scanners and linear accelerators, record results, and report suboptimal system performance.
Conduct quality assurance audits of new plans and therapist chart checks, confirm setup instructions are recorded, and ensure 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 adheres to guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Provide patient care and support appropriate to the ages served.