The Radiation Therapist (RTT) reports to the Radiation Therapy Lead and provides the technical portion of radiation therapy treatments within the department of Radiation Oncology. Their primary duties include the delivery of radiation treatments according to written prescriptions and treatment plans while ensuring safety in patient care through the consistent practice of departmental procedures for treatment administration. Treatment delivery includes identifying the correct patient, escorting patients to the treatment room, assisting patients onto the treatment table, positioning patients for treatment, delivering radiation from the control room and assisting the patient in exiting the treatment room.

The RTT provides and ensures an environment of caring, concern and support for patients, visitors, medical staff and co-workers on a consistent basis.  They ensure the quality of treatment delivery through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records. They also recognize deviations from prescribed treatment delivery and report all deviations to the Radiation Therapy Lead and/or Physician.  Uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to adequately explain the treatment-related procedures to patients and their family while referring medical questions to appropriate personnel. The RTT observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to treatments and communicates this to appropriate staff members. They also reinforce patient education and side effect management information and indicates non-compliance to medical/nursing staff.  Additionally, the RTT is able to independently perform patient simulations at the request of physician as well as collect and document data acquired during the simulation procedure and accurately input the treatment-related data into the EMR. The RTT assists as needed in all treatment-related procedures, including transporting patients, reviewing charts, and ordering supplies.  They demonstrate the ability to recognize standard imaging/ARGT; and make the necessary to adjustments to ensure high quality treatment.  The RTT performs and documents daily and weekly QA checklist. They notify appropriate clinical team members and document findings outside the normal range of operations. The RTT participates in programs to measure and improve the quality of care within the Department and uses critical thinking to trouble shoot and often fix common quality issues.  They also capture and verify patient treatment charges.

Key Performance Areas:

Technical Responsibilities:

The RTT performs his/her job demonstrating technical ability, understanding of job expectations and compliance with organizational policies and procedures. The RTT performs the following job responsibilities:

• Provide radiation therapy services by contributing as an essential member of the radiation oncology treatment team through provision of total quality care of each patient.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and other members of the radiation oncology team.
• Respond physically, intellectually and emotionally to emergency situations, provide first aid, CPR and other patient care until a physician or nurse arrives.
• Capable of handling stressful situations, making informed decisions and giving emotional support to patients and their families.
• Document accurately and legible treatment set-ups, doses and calculations.
• Use good judgment in regard to situations in which treatment be held until consultation with the radiation oncologist.
• Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to be followed if emergency arises during treatment.
• Reinforce advice given to patients about skin care, mouth care, diets and general welfare.
• Provide instructional direction and/or guidance to therapists under his/her supervision in correct procedure and practice for both routine and complex tumor localization and treatment.
• Fulfill the essential functions of a registered RTT in the clinical setting of Radiation Oncology.
• Evaluate and assess treatment delivery components by manually performing quality assurance and quality control checks, observing monitors and scales to note divergence from expected readings, detecting equipment malfunctions and taking appropriate action.
• Evaluate and assess daily, the physiologic and psychological responsiveness of each patient delivery including providing effective patient education.
• Maintain values congruent with the profession’s code of ethics and scope of practice as well as adhering to national, institutional and / or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding treatment delivery and patient care.
• Comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to patient care, patient’s rights, safety, billing, and collections.  Adhere to all company and departmental policies and procedures, including IT policies and procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan.

Position Qualifications/Requirements:

Education:

• Minimum - Graduate from an accredited School of Radiation Therapy Technology.

• Preferred – BS Degree in Radiation Therapy Technology or other related field

• Certified as a Registered Radiation Therapy Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  Dual certification as a General Radiographer (ARRT) or CT Technologist is preferred

• Must have current CPR/BLS certifications.

• Fluency in the English language as well as excellent oral and written communication skills is essential.  Additionally, ability to communicate in Spanish is also desirable.

• Travel: Rarely

• Standard Work Days/Hours: M-F, 8am – 5pm

Previous Experience:  Minimum of one (1) year active experience as a Radiation Therapist is required.  Will consider recent graduate of accredited RTT program that is eligible to sit for their registry.  Must pass RTT Registry exam within 6 months of hire if recent graduate.