Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

This position is located in TDI - Radiation Oncology Service, at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center and is directly supervised by the Supervisor Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist. The Radiation Oncology Service Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist is a graduate of an approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist at a GS-10 must possess a minimum of two (2), but preferably five (5), years clinical Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist experience.

Major Duties, but not limited to:

• Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
• Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.
• Verifies patient consent and treatment area
• Performs complex radiation oncology treatment modalities including but not limited to IMRT, SBRT, SRS, and DIBH.
• Receives patients and briefly explains methods of procedures to the patients.
• Positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjust accessory equipment required.
• Indicates on patient's skin with tattoos and/or markings as necessary needed to locate treatment area.
• Verifies cast molds made from copper and used for radiation treatments as needed or required.
• Performs simulation verification before prescribed treatment. Accurately reproduces initial simulation set-up, with proper patient positioning, immobilizing devices, to ensure proper alignment and quality treatment.
• Performs administration of daily dosage to patients in accordance with preset parameters.
• Delivers radiation therapy necessary for requested treatment.
• Operates CT and PET/CT simulator, provides reproducible patient treatment position set-ups that is used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator.
• Obtains isocenter verification as needed by the use to cone bean CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system.
• Utilizes electronic and radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions.
• Employs any necessary accessory beam restriction devices, i.e., wedges, bolus, collimator angles, or copper blocks for fields to be treated.
• Maintains patient records and files. Follows HIPA guidelines regarding patient information.
• Takes conebeam ct and/or port/verification films on patients under radiation treatment, to maintain record of treatment accuracy in accordance to departmental procedures, verifies any changes in accordance with the physicians request.
• Records in patient's electronic treatment chart any change in treatment, i.e., change in patients SSD reading, change in field measurements, adjustments to position of treatment field, or patients treatment status if not treated, in order to make corrections in the treatment calendar, calculations or prescription if needed.
• Films badges are worn in compliance with radiation regulations and guidelines of the state.
• Assists patients to and from the treatment room, as well as in transferring on and off of the treatment table as necessary.
• Maintains adequate supplies in the department and work stations.
• Maintains treatment rooms and equipment in a clean, neat, and safe condition at all times, as well as ensures appropriate supply availability.
• Notifies physics staff of equipment issues and follows instruction. Reports all environmental and/or equipment issues by the use of the computerized work order system reporting to the Bio-Med department.
• Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required.
• Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures as needed.
• Performs irregular hour emergency treatments on standby, 24 hours per day coverage, with availability within 2 hours from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient.
• Verifies correct multi-leaf collimation and electronic dynamic wedges.
• Records all parameters involved with each patient including daily and accumulated doses, treatment time and field site.