Radiation Therapist

Baystate Health•Springfield, MA

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist is responsible for safely administering high doses of ionizing radiation under the direct supervision of the radiation oncologist. The role involves acquiring and analyzing data in preparation for patient treatment, using imaging technologies to localize treatment areas, and participating in treatment planning as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. The therapist serves as a primary liaison between patients and the radiation oncology team and helps communicate with other healthcare providers, including social workers and dieticians. Patient care includes communicating with and assessing patients, monitoring their progress, and responding sensitively to their needs. The therapist adheres to professional standards and codes of ethics, as well as applicable policies, procedures, and laws. Job specifications and related duties may change based on departmental requirements and medical advancements in treatment modalities. The position includes a mandatory on-call rotation. The posted hourly compensation range is $43.08–$58.56, with a midpoint of $49.52. Starting pay is typically in the lower part of the range and may vary based on relevant experience; no employee will be paid below the minimum.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Radiation Therapy or Radiological Sciences program, or an equivalent two-year certificate program.
Accredited programs must meet JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) standards.
Detail-oriented, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong technical skills and critical-thinking ability.
Ability to interact with all levels of staff in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
Maintain required licensure and continuing education credits.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience in Radiation Therapy; new graduates are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

Practice radiation safety according to policy and procedure.
Verify each patient's identity and treatment site according to established policy and procedures.
Confirm the written radiation therapy directive daily and administer treatments as prescribed by the radiation oncologist; seek clarification when orders are uncertain.
Explain procedures and treatments in layman's terms, answer questions, and reassure patients.
Perform quality assurance activities, including morning start-up, equipment safety checks, maintaining visual and audible communication, chart checks and audits, dose verification using computer software, staff competencies and training, equipment shutdown, and other required quality assurance activities.
Perform clinical functions, including simulation, fabrication of immobilization devices, verification of patient setup and immobilization, imaging, treatment planning, dose calculations, validation of treatment parameters, treatment delivery, and documentation.
Ensure accurate delivery of treatment fields using electronic imaging technologies; independently and collaboratively review imaging before submitting it for daily approval.
Monitor patient progress and recommend treatment-plan changes as appropriate.
Monitor patients for adverse side effects and communicate them to appropriate personnel.
Review discharge and follow-up instructions with patients, as applicable.
Understand equipment functions, analyze equipment faults, and seek guidance from appropriate personnel or vendors to achieve a safe resolution.
Participate in the mandatory on-call rotation and follow applicable processes and workflows.
Maintain knowledge of departmental and organizational policies and procedures, seeking clarification as needed.
Maintain knowledge of operator manuals and manufacturers' recommendations for safe operation of radiotherapy equipment.
Participate in implementing new technologies and training staff as required.
Participate in regulatory inspections, including JCAHO and DPH inspections, and in radiation therapy program accreditation or reaccreditation.
Instruct students and evaluate them throughout their clinical rotations.
Maintain licensure and continuing education credits.
Perform other duties as assigned.