Job Summary

The Radiation Therapist is responsible for providing radiation therapy treatments to patients diagnosed with cancer and other conditions requiring therapeutic radiation. This role involves operating specialized radiation therapy equipment, accurately positioning patients, implementing prescribed treatment plans, and ensuring treatments are delivered safely and effectively.

The Radiation Therapist works closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and maintain high standards of treatment quality. The position requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, independent judgment, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer prescribed radiation therapy treatments in accordance with established treatment plans and physician instructions.

• Operate and utilize megavoltage, supervoltage, and orthovoltage radiation therapy machines.

• Position and immobilize patients accurately to ensure proper treatment alignment and reproducibility.

• Perform treatment setup procedures and verify patient positioning before administering radiation.

• Apply knowledge of radiation therapy simulation procedures and assist with treatment planning and preparation.

• Demonstrate knowledge of specialized radiation therapy procedures, including:

  • Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT).

  • Radioactive implants.

  • High-Dose-Rate (HDR) procedures.

  • Brachytherapy.

  • Hyperthermia procedures.

• Monitor patients during treatment and respond appropriately to their needs or concerns.

• Follow established radiation safety procedures and ensure compliance with applicable clinical protocols.

• Maintain accurate patient treatment records and document procedures in accordance with departmental requirements.

• Communicate effectively with radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals regarding treatment setup and patient care.

• Exercise appropriate independent judgment when making treatment setup decisions within established clinical protocols and professional scope of practice.

• Identify and communicate treatment-related concerns, equipment issues, or patient positioning discrepancies to the appropriate healthcare personnel.

• Maintain a professional and compassionate approach when interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.

• Contribute to a positive team environment and support effective coordination of patient care.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited radiation therapy school.

• Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Therapeutic Radiology.

• Licensure by the State of California in Therapeutic Radiology.

• Experience with the use of megavoltage, supervoltage, and orthovoltage machines.

• Knowledge of simulation procedures, IORT, radioactive implants, HDR, brachytherapy, and hyperthermia procedures.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and exercise appropriate independent judgment regarding patient setup and treatment decisions.

• Strong understanding of radiation therapy equipment and treatment procedures.

• Excellent verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a variety of people.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when positioning patients and preparing treatments.

• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

• Positive attitude toward teamwork.

• Ability to maintain professionalism and provide patient-centered care.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain compliance with radiation safety standards, departmental procedures, and applicable licensing requirements.

• Demonstrate accountability and sound judgment in carrying out assigned clinical responsibilities.

• Maintain effective communication with patients and members of the healthcare team.

• Support departmental quality, safety, and patient care objectives.

• Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge of radiation therapy practices and technologies.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a California-licensed and ARRT-certified Radiation Therapist with formal education in radiation therapy and experience operating megavoltage, supervoltage, and orthovoltage equipment. The candidate should have knowledge of specialized treatment procedures, including IORT, HDR, brachytherapy, radioactive implants, and hyperthermia.

A strong candidate will be comfortable working independently, making appropriate treatment setup decisions, communicating effectively with patients and colleagues, and contributing positively to a multidisciplinary healthcare team.