Radiation Therapist

Category: Radiology City: Jackson State: Tennessee Shift: 10 - Day (United States of America) Job Description Summary: The Therapist is responsible for the accurate application of ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist.

Radiation Therapist will report directly to the Lead Therapist. The therapist is accountable for an assigned shift as scheduled.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs warm-up procedures daily on linear accelerators to assure equipment is in the proper working order and reports any variances to service engineer or physicist. Accurately verifies and delivers the prescribed course of radiation therapy as directed by the Radiation Oncologist.

Consistently follows established safety protocols, including conducting a daily time-out to confirm the correct patient, treatment plan, dose, field size, and monitor units.

Verifies patient positioning and isocenter alignment through the review of kV imaging and/or Cone Beam CT imaging to ensure precise treatment delivery. Takes port films as indicated by physician. Accurately signs off on any treatment machine overrides and patient treatments performed.

Monitors patient at all times while patient is on treatment table via cameras and intercom. Performs special procedures such as SBRT’s and SRS treatments.

Performs a wide variety of CT simulation procedures with accuracy and proficiency, ensuring proper patient positioning, immobilization, image acquisition, and documentation to support precise treatment planning for all anatomical treatment sites. Completes simulation document in Aria.

When simulating an SBRT, therapist accurately completes SBRT set-up sheets and scans into Aria. Completes CT exam in EPIC and transcribes in Fluency.

Vigilantly monitors patients for unusual reactions, changes in condition, or treatment-related events, and promptly communicates findings to the appropriate members of the care team, including the Radiation Oncologist, Oncology Nurse, and Radiation Physicist, to ensure timely intervention and optimal patient care.

Accurately administers the prescribed radiation dose to blood products in accordance with established protocols and Blood Bank requirements. Maintains thorough documentation of all irradiated blood products in the Blood Bank Log to ensure regulatory compliance, traceability, and patient safety.

Provides compassionate support to patients and their families, helping them feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their treatment journey. Communicates with Social Services when a patient need arises. Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

Able to efficiently utilize the EMR of the dept as related to patient treatments. Each Radiation Therapist is required to take call on a rotating basis. Call is scheduled in one week increments.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Radiation Therapy Program which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or meets the educational requirements established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION: Must be registered as a Radiation Therapy Technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).

License must be kept current at all times while in this position. BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current at all times while in this position.

EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of hospital and departmental policies and procedures, equipment, forms, and record keeping as normally acquired through 3 months of orientation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Capable of fabricating detailed custom blocks, immobilization devices, and treatment aids as directed by patient’s needs. Critical thinking skills in order to continually improve patient setups and treatments.

High proficiency in radiographic anatomy and detailed knowledge of therapeutic application of radiation.

Knowledge and skills obtained through training to operate successfully the Electronic Medical Record systems used within the Radiation Oncology Dept. INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS: Interpersonal skills to perform radiation therapy treatments; provide instruction and comfort to patients according to age specific criteria, and to exchange information with physicians and staff on a continuous basis.

Contributes to a positive work environment and the overall team effort of the KCC staff.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

West Tennessee Healthcare complies with federal, state, and/or local laws regarding mandatory vaccination of its workforce.

If you are offered a position and must be vaccinated under any applicable law, you will be required to show proof of full vaccination or obtain an approval of a religious or medical exemption prior to your start date.

If you receive an exemption from the vaccination requirement, you will be required to follow West Tennessee Healthcare’s accommodation precautions to mitigate the spread of illness.