Radiation Oncology Specialist

The Radiation Therapist administers ionizing radiation to patients in accordance with prescriptions and instructions from Radiation Oncologists. Key responsibilities include practicing safe procedures, adhering to radiation safety measures, and maintaining accurate records of daily treatments.

• Administer prescribed doses of radiation using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
• Review prescriptions, diagnoses, patient charts, and validate patient identification prior to treatment delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of daily treatments, reports, or required documents such as radiation dosages, equipment settings, simulation data, or patient reactions.
• Prepare rooms and equipment; clean and disinfect equipment in accordance with procedures.
• Utilize appropriate immobilization devices and treatment accessories to accurately reproduce treatment parameters.
• Detect unsatisfactory set-ups and/or errors and promptly report them to the radiation oncologist and/or medical physicist.
• Maintain visual and audible communication with patients during treatment.
• Remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of patients; appropriately calm confused or upset patients.
• Explain radiation plans and treatments to patients and their families - effectively and accurately.
• Observe the clinical progress of radiation oncology patients and use clinical-decision making skills to recognize and report any signs of complications to the appropriate practitioner.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and awareness of safety issues; utilize personnel protective equipment.
• Perform the operation, warm-up, and daily QC of all treatment equipment.
• Identify safe limits of equipment operations and report abnormalities or inconsistencies to the medical physicist and/or proper authority.
• Perform treatment simulations following requests of Radiation Oncologists; construct and fabricate immobilization and treatment devices.
• Practice confidentiality and privacy protocols in accordance with clinic policies and HIPAA requirements.
• Establish and maintain a safe work environment with knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions.
• Adhere to the Radiation Therapist Code of Ethics.
• Consistent and prompt attendance is required to assure that the needs of the patient and facility are met.

• Demonstrate radiation therapy theory and applications.
• Computer skills with the ability to use multiple programs: treatment, R&V, EMR, QC, etc.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in the clinical setting.

• Maintain ability to work in stressful situations.
• Follow directions/instructions from supervisor.
• Comply with facility and department policies and procedures.
• Act as liaison between the patient and physician and supportive care personnel.
• Perform all duties using proper body mechanics; manual dexterity and fine motor coordination.
• Variety of standing, sitting, stopping, walking, and reaching.
• Clinical setting with possible exposure to communicable diseases and radiation.