Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Richmond, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist performs complex radiation therapy and simulation duties. The technologist receives patients and explains procedures, obtains radiographs to localize tumor volumes using anatomical marking devices, and takes accurate body measurements for use by a physicist or dosimetrist in treatment calculations. The role schedules treatments to optimize accelerator use while accommodating emergency cases, performs daily quality control readings on treatment machines, and confirms patient identity before simulation or treatment. The technologist prepares and assists with the use of contrast materials under supervision, takes port and verification images to document treatment accuracy, and verifies changes requested by physicians.

Duties and scope vary by grade. Work may include obtaining diagnostic-quality x-ray films, working with a CT/simulator scanner to develop treatment plans, selecting technical factors, setting up accessory equipment, and making exposures. The technologist operates complex radiation-treatment equipment, including tissue compensators, linear accelerators, and computerized treatment-planning simulators; monitors equipment performance; supports radiation safety; and responds to emergencies. At higher grades, duties may also include reporting unsafe conditions, helping review or author procedures, participating in leadership training, and qualifying to serve as a clinical supervisor for radiation therapy students.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The posting also describes rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage, with a requirement to answer a call or page within five minutes and report to the medical center within 45 minutes when called. The position is not telework or virtual, and compressed/flexible scheduling is unavailable.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Certification in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (T).
• Completion of a JRCERT-accredited therapeutic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree; ARRT certification in Radiology; and subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT-approved therapeutic radiologic technology program, subject to applicable qualification provisions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements, including prolonged standing and walking; bending and carrying moderately heavy items; reaching, lifting, and working in strained positions; and assisting or lifting patients using techniques to minimize discomfort.
• Ability to perform rotating on-call duties and emergency overtime; when called or paged, answer within five minutes and report to the medical center within 45 minutes.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, drug testing for applicants selected for testing-designated positions, and online onboarding.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and come from an accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.
• For the stated GS-9 functions, follow safety practices, report unsafe conditions and occupational illness or injury, adhere to safety standards and protective-equipment requirements, and participate in procedure and leadership activities as assigned.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Medical Dosimetry is strongly desirable.
• Prior experience in a clinical environment.
• Certified in Radiation Therapy.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients and briefly explain procedure methods.
• Obtain radiographs to localize tumor volumes, using appropriate anatomical marking devices.
• Measure patients accurately for use by a physicist or dosimetrist in computer treatment calculations.
• Schedule treatments to optimize accelerator time while accommodating emergency simulation and treatment needs.
• Perform daily quality-control readings on treatment machines before patient treatments, using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level.
• Verify patient identity using hospital-required methods before simulation or radiation treatment.
• Prepare contrast materials under supervision and ensure they are used or administered appropriately.
• Take port and verification images during treatment to document accuracy and verify changes requested by physicians.
• Obtain diagnostic-quality x-ray films of the skull, torso, and extremities, as applicable to grade and assigned duties.
• Work with a dedicated CT/simulator scanner in developing treatment plans; determine technical factors, set up accessory equipment, and make required exposures.
• Operate radiation-treatment equipment, including tissue compensators, linear accelerators, and computerized treatment-planning simulators.
• Monitor treatment-unit performance, report irregularities promptly, and take prompt measures in response to therapy emergencies.
• Maintain radiation protection and safety practices for patients and operators, including use of required protective equipment and film badges.
• Report unsafe conditions or practices and occupational illness or injury; adhere to applicable safety and health standards.
• Participate in reviewing, revising, or authoring policies and procedures as needed.
• Participate in non-supervisory leadership classes and qualify to supervise radiation therapy students, as applicable.
• Perform rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage; answer calls or pages within five minutes and report to the medical center within 45 minutes when called.
• Perform additional duties as required by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Selected applicants may qualify for approved prior-service credit toward annual leave accrual, if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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