Radiation Therapist

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Job description

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This position is responsible for accurately recording, interpreting and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. Radiation therapists take daily images, analyze them and make adjustments to the patient to ensure accurate treatment. During simulation, therapists operate a CT scanner to obtain images to assist the physician in localizing and outlining the anatomical areas requiring treatment. Radiation therapists have continual contact with patients for the course of their treatment, educating them about treatment and simulation procedures and potential radiation side effects. Monitoring and observing each patient's clinical progress and emotional needs also are part of the therapist's daily routine. The therapist, as a member of the health care team, refers patients to physicians, nurses or social service professionals when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Graduate of a formal radiation therapy technology program accredited by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
2. Licensed by the WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners as a Radiation Therapist.
3. Board Certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiation Therapy Technology.
4. Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
5. West Virginia state criminal background check required, and Federal, if applicable, for DHHR BMS regulated area.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Administers external radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist to affect curative or palliative treatment of disease.
2. Assures that the patient's position, the orientation of the treatment equipment and the placement of the treatment beam conform to the specifications of the planned course of treatment, as monitored by daily and weekly chart reviews, and accuracy through the use of image guidance.
3. Performs simulations and localization (where available) according to established protocols and produces usable images for the planning and verifying of treatment procedures. Calculates actual monitor units in cases of emergent simulations after normal department hours.
4. Prepares and constructs equipment, such as immobilization devices, treatment devices, and protection devices.
5. Assists the radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists, and medical physicists in preparing the physical and technical aspects of radiation treatment plans by providing information about the patient's condition and anatomy.
6. Educates, prepares and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing the radiation oncologists' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care.
7. Plans and performs procedures for the treatment and imaging of patients, meeting the quality standards of the department as identified through professional literature and department policy.
8. Performs daily equipment warm-up and quality checks as outlined by medical physics. Documents QA as required. Reports any variances to medical physics.
9. Determines technical charges based on procedure(s) performed and assigns appropriate CPT code.
10. Attends and participates in departmental meetings and activities to support process improvement and team building.
11. Applies knowledge and technical aspects of the position, maintaining professional and technical competencies as required by the organization and/or the accreditation and licensing bodies.
12. May train and mentors students from Radiation Therapy Technology Programs. Provides feedback and assessments as required.
13. Schedules patients for simulation and treatment procedures, often coordinating with other department schedules and patient appointments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Differentiate various shades of gray as depicted on a black and white television monitor or photograph.
2. Stand and walk for up to 8 hours a day
3. Lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds of weight; carry up to 20 pounds of weight.
4. Ability to see details at close range (near vision).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Large clinical area that requires interaction with physicians, nurses, dosimetrists, physicists, and support staff.
2. The presence of computers/computer monitors which are essential for performing job tasks.
3. The presence of radiation producing equipment, including linear accelerators, gamma knife, and/or HDR.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
2. Excellent logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches for the department.
3. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center:

158 WVUH Cancer Radiation Oncology

Address:

1 Medical Center Drive

Morgantown

West Virginia

WVU Medicine is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among our workforce and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, language, national origin, religious affiliation, spiritual practice, age, mental and physical ability/disability or Veteran status.

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