Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Radiation Oncology Service)

Veterans Health Administration • Seattle, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (TRT) delivers prescribed therapeutic radiation to treat cancer and abnormal cell growths. The role involves localizing tumors, participating in treatment planning, and delivering radiation using a linear accelerator, while providing accurate, compassionate care and support to patients.

The technologist performs consultations, simulations, treatment planning, and treatment delivery; maintains accurate treatment records and patient documentation; and coordinates schedules to optimize linear accelerator use while accommodating emergencies. The work includes patient identification and setup, imaging and verification, daily observation and documentation, radiation-safety practices, and quality-control checks of treatment equipment. The TRT also maintains treatment rooms and equipment, reports equipment and environmental issues, supports patients’ psychosocial needs, and collaborates with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, nurses, clerical staff, and other therapists.

This position has a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with emergency on-call treatments during clinic off-hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The on-call therapist must be able to arrive within two hours of notification. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates; permanent change of station is not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to its eligibility and application requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Successful completion of a therapeutic radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, followed by an approved 12-month therapeutic radiologic technology program.
• Certification in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)); certification must be maintained.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position.
• Ability to independently perform machine warm-up procedures, interpret output levels against established thresholds, and follow radiation-safety and quality-assurance principles.
• Ability to independently review patient charts using an electronic medical record and a Record and Verify System or similar treatment-delivery system.
• Ability to independently perform basic and complex CT simulations, including operating CT equipment, following directives, designing custom immobilization for reproducible setups, obtaining optimal imaging, transferring data accurately for treatment planning, and documenting patient care precisely.
• Ability to use a linear accelerator’s On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images.
• Must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis for illegal drug screening.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process, and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must be available for emergency on-call treatments during off-hours, weekends, and holidays, and arrive within two hours of notification when on call.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing consultation, simulation, treatment-planning, and treatment-delivery procedures, including contrast administration.
• BLS certification for Healthcare Providers.

Responsibilities

• Perform procedures for consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery, and keep current with changes in these procedures.
• Deliver prescribed therapeutic radiation to treat cancer and other abnormal growths using a linear accelerator.
• Assist with tumor localization and participate in treatment planning.
• Maintain detailed and accurate daily technical, legal, and statistical treatment records.
• Schedule treatments to optimize linear accelerator use while allowing flexibility for emergency treatment times.
• Take patient identification photographs for treatment charts.
• Set up tattoos and prescribed devices for initial treatment and filming according to CT simulation team instructions.
• Take source-to-skin distance (SSD) readings, obtain isocenter verification films, and perform port-film imaging as required.
• Document changes in patient charts and observe patients’ conditions daily.
• Recognize when patients need emotional or psychosocial support and refer them to departmental staff or other health care professionals as appropriate.
• Reinforce radiation oncologists’ recommendations about activities, diet, and prevention or treatment of radiation reactions.
• Perform morning quality-control measurements on treatment machines using the physics quality-assurance program for each energy level.
• Verify patient identity according to hospital policy before each simulation and treatment.
• Communicate with medical staff on other floors and units to support quality patient care.
• Follow HIPAA requirements and enter pertinent daily information, treatment counts, and doses into CPRS/VISTA for use by other personnel in patient care.
• Follow radiation-safety protocols and ALARA principles to limit exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Perform daylight film processor procedures, ensure the processor operates optimally, and contact the processor engineer when problems occur.
• Maintain clean, neat, and safe treatment rooms and equipment, and keep supplies adequately stocked.
• Notify supervisors or physics staff about treatment equipment issues, report environmental and other equipment problems, and notify physicians when issues may affect patient care or treatment.
• Perform emergency treatments during clinic off-hours, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays; be available to arrive within two hours when on call.
• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, nursing and clerical staff, and fellow radiation therapists to support department goals.
• Keep current with developments in radiation therapy, maintain licensing and continuing-education requirements, and stay current on treatment-machine characteristics.
• Operate equipment to determine correct dose and field uniformity.
• Provide accurate and compassionate treatment and act as a supportive caregiver.
• Follow safety and health standards, use protective equipment as needed, and promptly report unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, occupational illness, or injury.
• Participate in reviewing, revising, or authoring policies and procedures.
• Perform accurate charge capture, documentation, and CPT coding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and application requirements; awards may be up to $200,000 over a one- to five-year eligibility period.
• Relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree