Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist - Radiation Oncology

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

23d • Onsite

About The Position

The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist works in Radiation Oncology, administering ionizing radiation treatments ranging from simple to highly complex to treat disease. The position uses treatment plans prepared by dosimetry to deliver prescribed doses with accurate field parameters, treatment protocols, and immobilization devices. The technologist performs quality assurance on treatment machines and CT scanners, conducts weekly chart checks, and reports values outside established parameters to appropriate staff. The role also involves coordinating simulation, planning, and treatment schedules; communicating preparations and special orders; and correctly identifying patients before simulations and daily treatments. The technologist selects positioning devices based on each patient’s disease process, co-morbid conditions, and other relevant factors.

The position requires knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathology, medical terminology, oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, radiation oncology techniques and safety, and the psychosocial aspects of cancer. Equipment and systems used include the Varian True Beam linear accelerator, ARIA patient management systems, record-and-verify systems, electronic portal imaging, 3-D conformal radiation therapy systems, multi-leaf collimators, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, On-Board Imaging, Cone Beam CT, and SBRT.

This is a GS-10 position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM EST. Telework is not available. The position may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility, application, and program approval. The program may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over an approved period of one to five years.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy because qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• Successful completion of a therapeutic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or another accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, followed by an approved 12-month therapeutic radiologic technology program.
• Current certification in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT (T)), subject to stated grandfathering provisions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-9, directly related to the position.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform machine warm-up procedures and interpret output levels against established thresholds while adhering to 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 patients accurately.
• Ability to use a linear accelerator’s On-Board Imaging system to interpret complex images.
• Must meet VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, physical evaluation, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as determined for the appointment.
• Physical capacity for heavy lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; pushing and pulling; reaching above shoulder level; using fingers and both hands; walking, standing, or crawling; repeated bending; and rapid coordinated mental and muscular activity. Must have depth perception, distinguish basic colors and shades, and maintain emotional and mental stability.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of experience in radiation therapy.

Responsibilities

• Administer ionizing radiation treatments, from simple to highly complex, using prescribed treatment plans and accurate field parameters, protocols, and immobilization devices.
• Perform quality assurance procedures on treatment machines and CT scanners before daily business hours, and alert appropriate staff when recorded values fall outside set parameters.
• Operate radiation therapy equipment and systems, including a Varian True Beam linear accelerator, ARIA, record-and-verify systems, electronic portal imaging, 3-D conformal radiation therapy, multi-leaf collimators, IMRT, On-Board Imaging, Cone Beam CT, and SBRT.
• Perform radiation therapy quality control, including weekly chart checks for data accuracy and completion.
• Communicate exam preparations and special orders to patients, team members, and hospital staff.
• Coordinate scheduling of simulation, planning, and treatment procedures.
• Verify patient identity using required hospital and departmental procedures before simulation and each daily radiation treatment.
• Select appropriate patient positioning devices based on disease process, co-morbid conditions, and other individual factors.
• Perform machine warm-up procedures and interpret output levels against established thresholds while following radiation safety and quality assurance principles.
• Review patient charts using electronic medical records and record-and-verify or similar treatment delivery systems.
• Perform basic and complex CT simulations, operate CT equipment, design custom immobilization for reproducible setups, obtain optimal imaging, transfer data accurately for treatment planning, and document patient information.
• Use a linear accelerator’s On-Board Imaging system to interpret complex images.

Benefits

• Eligibility to apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with a potential award of up to $200,000 over an approved period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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