Baystate Health·Springfield, Massachusetts
The radiation therapist is responsible for the safe administration of ionizing radiation and the preparation of patients for treatment. They also perform quality assurance, maintain equipment, and act as a primary liaison between patients and the oncology team.
Job specifications and related duties are subject to change based on departmental requirements and medical advancements in treatment modalities.
Job Responsibilities: 1) Practices radiation safety according to policy and procedure.
2) Ensures proper identification of each patient and treatment site according to established policy and procedures.
3) Confirms radiation therapy written directive (radiation prescription) daily.
Administers radiation treatments as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
Contact the manager, senior therapist, or oncologist if unsure of orders and needs clarification.
4) Communicates clearly: Explains the nature of the procedure and/or treatment in layman’s terms.
Answers questions and reassures the patient to alleviate fears and/or apprehension.
5) Performs quality assurance activities: Morning start-up, safety checks on all patient care equipment, maintaining visual and audible communication at all times, comprehensive chart checks, chart audits, dose verification using computer software, staff competencies, training, equipment shutdown and all other quality assurance activities as identified and required.
6) Performs clinical functions: Simulation, Fabrication of immobilization device(s), Verification of patient set-up and immobilization, Imaging, Treatment planning, Dose calculations, Validation of treatment parameters, Treatment delivery, and Documentation.
7) Ensures accurate delivery of treatment fields using electronic imaging technologies.
Reviews imaging both independently and as a team member prior to submission for daily approval.
Monitors patient progress and suggests changes to the treatment plan as appropriate.
8) Monitors patients for adverse side effects and communicates to appropriate personnel.
9) Review instructions for discharge and follow up with the patient, as applicable.
10) Understand the function of equipment and analyze equipment faults seeking guidance from appropriate personnel and/or vendors as required to achieve a safe resolution.
11) Mandatory on-call rotation.
Process and workflow is all-inclusive.
12) Maintains knowledge of departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
Seeks assistance for clarification, as needed.
13) Maintains knowledge of operator manuals and manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe operation of all radiotherapy equipment.
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited Radiological Sciences Program in Radiation Therapy or equivalent. They are expected to hold relevant professional certifications and possess strong technical and communication skills.
14) Participates in the implementation of new technologies and subsequent training of staff members as required.
15) Participates in regulatory inspections such as JCAHO, DPH, and accreditation and/or reaccreditation of the radiation therapy program.
16) Participates in instructing students and the evaluation of students throughout their clinical rotation.
17) Performs and completes other duties as assigned.
18) Maintains license and continuing education credits.
19) Precepts Radiation Therapist Students and Radiation Therapist Graduates.
Required Work Experience: 1) Graduate of an accredited Radiological Sciences Program in Radiation Therapy or equivalent from a two-year Certificate Program 2) Accredited programs must meet the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) standards Preferred Work Experience: 1) One year of experience.
New graduates welcome to apply Skills and Competencies: Detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong technical skills and critical thinking.
Ability to interact with all levels of staff in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
All correspondence can be directed to: Jim Pugliese, Healthcare Recruiter jim.pugliese@baystatehealth.org Education: Associates Degree (Required) Certifications: Radiation Therapy - American Registry of Radiologic TechnologistAmerican Registry of Radiologic TechnologistAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologist Compensation Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system.
Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range.
Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience.
No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range.
Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.
Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum $43.08 - $49.52 - $58.56 Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
Market context
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