Brachytherapy Radiation Therapist - AOP - Days
VCU Health.com
Office
LOC100087 Adult Outpatient Pavilion (AOP), United States
Full Time
The Radiation Therapist applies ionizing radiation to the patient (inclusive of pediatric, adult and geriatric populations) in accordance with the prescription and instructions of the Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Therapist. This position educates, prepares and reassures patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions and post-treatment care. This position also participates in the orientation and education of patients. Radiation Specialists have enhanced skills in addition to staff radiation therapist responsibilities. This to include but not limited to having additional RT certifications for imaging (CT & MRI), advanced skillset for adaptive treatment/planning (specialized machine types- MRI Linac), and/or role of Brachy therapist in procedural high dose treatment area.
Essential Job Statement
Performance Expectations: Radiation Treatment Delivery
Accurately delivers ionizing radiation by interpretation of the prescribed treatment plan as well as the technical instructions by physics staff. Checks diagnosis, chart and patient identification. Verifies accuracy of treatment by use of port films/portal image according to current department policy. Verifies accuracy of dose with the use of diodes. Takes radiographic images, appropriate measurements and makes adjustments during planning and each treatment session to ensure treatment delivery within tolerances as defined in site-specific protocols. Works with minimal supervision, seeking advice from supervisor, physician or physics staff when required. Accurately documents radiation treatment delivery and all technical parameters. Reports erratic operation of equipment to Chief Radiation Therapist, Radiation Physicist and/or Medical Engineer.
Performance Expectation: Patient Care & Monitoring
Monitors patients’ physical and emotional needs while under treatment. Keeps patients and their families informed of relevant treatment matters. Deals with related issues. Ensures weekly review of patients under treatment. Delivers care as appropriate for all ages. Monitors patients for unusual reactions and events, reporting occurrences to the radiation oncologist or nurse. Ensures patient understanding regarding treatment and possible reactions.
Performance Expectation: Quality Assurance
Observes VCUHS and Department’s policies and regulations for maintaining quality assurance and safety, with reference to treatment delivery, customer/employee relations and professional standards. Reports discrepancies or errors according to current policy and procedures. Performs radiation safety activities, including equipment monitoring for compliance with applicable standards and regulations and responding to variation identified during quality control activities. Performs Quality Assurance Review of all charts at the initiation of treatment, when treatment plans are changed and throughout the course of therapy for completeness and to ensure all treatment parameters are in compliance with Department standards of care.
Performance Expectation: Unit Organization & Documenting/Scheduling
Keeps a neat and organized work area to promote an efficient working environment. Maintains adequate unit supplies and accessories. Accurately maintains treatment charts, time planner and statistics. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining a smooth schedule on the unit and liaising with others when necessary. Assists in other areas and carries out all other assigned duties. Participates in coverage of warm-up procedures, late coverage and on-call.
Performance Expectation: Professional Development
Participates in department meetings, retraining and continuing education activities. Attends in-services, morning conferences and other educational opportunities within the Department. Participates in courses, seminars or lectures offered by professional societies to promote own professional development and maintains competency. Fulfills the ARRT CE minimum requirements.
Performance Expectations: Leadership Expertise & Project Participation
Acts as a team leader to the Radiation Therapist level 1 and interacts with other areas of the department. Subject matter expert in specific treatment or simulation within Radiation Oncology Department. Participates in department initiatives to develop innovative programs/projects. Involved in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and Department.
Performance Expectations: Brachytherapy (if applicable)
Demonstrates the ability to maintain Brachy competencies following training period as determined by department competency guidelines. Daily quality assurance checks of brachytherapy equipment and monitoring devices. Demonstrates safe handling and storage of brachytherapy after loader containing radioactive source. Prepares or assists in the preparation of brachytherapy equipment and procedure suite readiness. Create custom brachytherapy devices, assist physics in measurements, and assist in the quality assurance program. Responsible for CT simulation of brachytherapy patients. Pre-treatment imaging and set-up of brachytherapy patients. Coordination of treatment delivery for Brachytherapy patients with all members of the team. Positioning of patient before and after implanting for comfort, using appropriate body mechanics and maintaining patient safety. Assist provider during implantation and removal of instruments. Administer contrast media as prescribed by provider. Prepare, lead/attend Brachytherapy Chart Rounds and brachy therapy huddles. Resolve any issues with the Brachytherapy Chart Rounds each week. Responsible for maintaining quality assurance by reviewing charts on a regular basis to verify that all quality assurance procedures and documentation are completed in a timely manner.
Performance Expectation: Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Participates in the educational development of the Radiation Science students and Residents in the department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.
Patient Population: Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)
Employment Qualifications
Required Education: Graduate of an AMA accredited School of Radiation Therapy Technology
Preferred Education: N/A
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: Current registration as a Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT) from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) or registry eligible (Required for continued employment) Current RTT by ARRT American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) certification with a minimum of 12 hours of documented continuing education annually
Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: 5 or more years as Radiation Therapist
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Works with minimal supervision, seeking advice from supervisor, physician or physics staff when required; Specialist in treatment and/or simulation: MRI Linac, certified MRI, certified CT, brachytherapy, and/or other certifications applicable to Radiation Oncology
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A
Additional Position Requirements: On-call as well as extended hours due to patient load. Works at any or all of the VCU Clinics (Massey, HMP and SPMP). Works evening shift at Massey.
Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat
Work Position: Walking, Standing
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near
Hazards: Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
Mental/Sensory – Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.
Brachytherapy Radiation Therapist - AOP - Days
Office
LOC100087 Adult Outpatient Pavilion (AOP), United States
Full Time
September 30, 2025