DescriptionUnder general supervision of Chief Therapist administers radiation therapy treatments according to the Radiation Oncologists prescription under minimal supervision. Keeps accurate daily records of treatments administered. Teaches radiation therapist students technical procedures under supervision of Senior Radiation Therapist.
Responsibilities- Under supervision of Senior Radiation Therapist and/or Chief Radiation Therapist accurately sets up patients for treatment; administers radiation treatments; maintains accurate daily treatment records; performs treatment dose calculation using computer calculation tables provided by the Medical Physicist; ensures that calculations are checked by the Medical Physicist by the second day of treatment.
- Checks the Radiation Oncologists prescription to determine any mathematical or technical errors; performs safety checks on treatment machines and records data daily; verifies/localizes treatment area with portal imaging submits portal images to be checked and approved by a Radiation Oncologist. Understands the function of the equipment and is able to use it to its the use of wedges and compensating filters and appreciates the misuse or omission during all procedures and practices before proceeding with patient set-up. Contacts appropriate staff if not comfortable or unsure of proper procedure.
- Detects treatment unit malfunction and reports malfunction to the Sr. Radiation Safety Monitor/Therapist and/or Medical Physicist. Explains treatment procedures to patients and answers any questions. Reassures patients in order to alleviate fear and apprehension. Maintains visual and audible communications with patient during treatment; observes the clinical progress of the patient undergoing radiation therapy recognizes the first signs of any complications and reports findings to the Radiation Oncologist.
- Maintains an organized treatment room and stock rooms with supplies; assists in scheduling patient appointments and contacts secretarial staff; attends chart rounds displays portal images and participates in discussion of patient treatments.
- Attends in service orientations; creates immobilization devices for mold room simulator; creates and adjusts custom lead blocks in emergency situation; assists Senior Therapist in the evaluation of students at the end of their rotation.
- Assists with treatment planning procedure (i.e.: contours and measurements)
- Professional behavior at all times. Performs other duties as assigned.
- Keeps patients in waiting area informed of lengthy delays and any progress in resolving delays.
Qualifications- Graduate of an AMA approved 2-year hospital based certificate program or 2-year Associates Degree program 4 year Baccalaureate Degree program in Radiation Therapy preferred.
- NYS temporary or permanent. Must obtain permanent license in 8 months or 2 exam sittings whichever comes first.
- ARRT registered or eligible for registration in Radiation Therapy with requirement to become.
- Registered in 8 months or 2 exam sittings whichever comes first.
- Basic knowledge of computer.
- Very good interpersonal skills required for effective job performance; good written and verbal communication skills interact effectively with hospital clinicians/management staff/external agencies/line technical staff.