Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)

The medical dosimetrist utilizes extensive knowledge and training to produce acceptable treatment plans following the prescription of the radiation oncologist. The recognition of critical structures beams at different energy levels the behavior of numerous tumors the tolerance level of radiation in the different regions of the human body and the ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of wedges boluses and blocking techniques are critical to this position. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process.
• Contour critical structures and tumor volumes.
• Provide input or assistance with the use or necessity of ancillary treatment devices patient
  immobilization techniques and other patient positioning techniques as needed for simulation or treatment.
• Assists with computed tomography (CT simulation in a competent and courteous manner and provides instruction as needed.
• Ensures CT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image formatting to assure smooth patient flow.
• Import diagnostic imaging studies from multiple media types and image fusion utilizing CT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for complex treatment planning.
• Delineate and accurately contour critical structures and tumor volumes utilized for development of a deliverable treatment plan through an in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and all diagnostic imaging modalities.
• Utilize computer treatment software to develop an accurate deliverable complex plan (e.g. 3D conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic techniques) dose limitation to critical structures Record and Verify software and quality assurance (QA) methods following the directive outlined by the radiation oncologist.

Work Schedule: 7:00 AM -3:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
Telework: This position is eligible for ad-hoc/situational telework at the discretion of management
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 61273F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education:
  • Effective January 1 2017 candidates are required to hold a minimum of a bachelors degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months in duration. The medical dosimetry program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Exception: Candidates who graduated prior to January 1 2017 are considered to have met the basic education requirement provided they meet all Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) requirements and are in good standing.
• Certification
  • All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB. Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work. NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 P.L. 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. 75. They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or be a Radiation Therapist certified in medical dosimetry.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: GS-12

• Experience: At this level candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Experience include but not limited to: developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process. Medical Dosimetrists will contour critical structures and tumor volumes. They provide input of radiation safety practices quality standards and abide by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures.

In addition the candidate must demonstrate the following technical (Knowledge Skills and Abilities) KSAs:

1. Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery.
2. Skill at effective communication and leadership as demonstrated by providing orientation and training for staff providing input for yearly appraisals directing progress and coordination of workload and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care.
3. Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process.
4. Skill to independently perform complex treatment procedures as evidenced by completing tasks such as developing and troubleshooting highly complex isodose treatment plans delineating critical structures and tumor volumes performing weekly chart checks performing QA verifications and providing training on all aspects of the Record and Verify System such as Mosaiq or Aria.
5. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation.
6. Ability to follow protocols including but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures participating in research programs ensuring compliance with the radiation safety office national program office and accrediting agencies and following established quality standard measures.
7. Ability to apply a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including but not limited to diode ion chamber thermoluminescent dosimeter or film measurement as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist and perform or assist with the QA procedures as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit Requirements: The work requires long periods of sitting and computer work. There is some bending light lifting and light carrying under 15 pounds. Some walking and standing is needed to verify patient position during simulation.