Radiation Therapist

About Duke Health

We are a leading healthcare organization driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community.

Our mission is to advance health together, and we are seeking a skilled Radiation Therapist to join our team.

Job Summary

The Radiation Therapist will be responsible for delivering accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures involved in the operation of ionizing radiographic and radiation therapy equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver accurately the prescribed planned course of radiation therapy with minimal supervision.
• Check prescription, diagnosis, chart, and patient identification.
• Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment, and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment.
• Reinforce Radiation Oncologist's advice to patient regarding reactions to treatment and their care.
• Prepare room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc.
• Transfer patient safely to treatment couch, giving special care to catheters, intravenous drips, etc.
• Check daily treatment time and delivers prescribed dose.
• Maintain visual and audible communication with the patient during treatment.
• Maintain patient markings. Observe patient for unusual reactions and events and report accurate information to the nursing staff and/or Radiation Oncologist.
• Observe radiation safety measures for patient and personnel.
• Perform simulations.
• Assist in tumor localization procedures, preparation of immobilization devices, etc.
• Assist in dosimetry procedures (i.e. Prescription calculations).
• Obtain weekly port films and present such at chart rounds for review by Radiation Oncology staff.
• Assume weekly on-call status on a rotation basis.
• Perform and document daily accelerator warm-up and QA procedures.
• Maintain records of daily treatment and other records as required by department quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Secure and maintain supplies.
• Secure x-ray and lab reports as needed.
• Report erratic operation of equipment to Chief Radiation therapist, Radiation Physicist, and/or Medical Engineer.
• Participate in departmental PI (Performance Improvement) activities.
• Assist in the hiring and orienting of new personnel.
• Attend weekly QA rounds, monthly therapy meetings, and educational in-services.
• Incorporate department and hospital policies and procedures into care provided.

Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of a 24-month course in radiology technology and a 12-month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Satisfactory completion of a 24-month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Registered nurse who has satisfactorily completed a 12-month course in radiation therapy technology; or
• Satisfactory completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in radiation therapy.
• One year clinical training in Radiation Therapy.
• Current licensure as required by state or national authority and/or certification or board eligible in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiology Technology.
• Maintain ARRT certification in radiation therapy with a minimum of documented 12 hours of continuing education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge in principles, practices, and procedures involved in the operation of ionizing radiographic and radiation therapy equipment.
• Knowledge of the human anatomy and proper positioning of the patient to provide treatment as prescribed.
• Ability to administer CPR in a medical emergency.

Duke Health's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

We aspire to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes.

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