Radiation Therapist - Per Diem

DESCRIPTION

Delivers safe, accurate, and compassionate radiation therapy services as an essential member of the Radiation Oncology treatment team.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Radiation Therapist operates complex radiation therapy and imaging equipment, including linear accelerators, CT simulation systems, and brachytherapy equipment as applicable. This role administers physician-prescribed radiation treatments, supports simulation procedures, monitors and educates patients, and maintains accurate clinical documentation. Working under the supervision of the Lead Radiation Therapist and Chief Radiation Therapist, the Radiation Therapist follows established clinical protocols, radiation safety standards, quality requirements, and departmental workflows. This staff-level role is intended for newly graduated or early-career radiation therapists and provides a foundation for continued professional growth within the Radiation Oncology clinical ladder.

EDUCATION, LICENSE & CERTIFICATION

- Graduate of an accredited Radiation Therapy Technology program required. Bachelor’s degree in Radiation Therapy or a related field preferred.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification in Radiation Therapy, ARRT (T), upon hire required.
- For employees practicing in New York State, a current New York Department of Health radiation therapist license and registration is required.
- CPR/BLS certification within 90 days required.

EXPERIENCE

- Entry-level position; prior employment experience as a radiation therapist is not required.
- Knowledge of basic radiation physics, radiation protection, patient positioning, treatment delivery, and clinical safety principles required.
- Ability to safely operate radiation therapy equipment and associated imaging systems and to communicate technical information in a manner understandable to patients required: Clinical internship or externship experience in a Radiation Oncology setting preferred
- Experience with ARIA, Epic, optical surface monitoring, and related oncology information systems preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - CLINICAL TREATMENT DELIVERY

- Delivers prescribed radiation treatments according to physician-approved treatment plans, departmental protocols, and established time-out procedures.
- Prepares the treatment room, equipment, accessories, and patient positioning devices to accurately reproduce treatment parameters for each session.
- Performs and documents daily accelerator warm-up and operational readiness procedures.
- Administers external beam radiation therapy, including 3D, IMRT, SBRT, SRS, electron treatments, and other approved techniques as applicable.
- Performs CT simulations in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and multidisciplinary team.
- Constructs, prepares, and uses immobilization devices; fabricates blocks and cutouts for electron treatments as needed.
- Acquires portal images, cone beam CT, surface-guided imaging, and other imaging modalities specified in the treatment plan.
- Maintains visual and audible communication with the patient throughout treatment.
- Performs diode measurements and basic or emergency simulations as requested and within scope of practice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - PATIENT ASSESSMENT & CARE

- Assesses the patient’s physiological and psychological response to treatment and reports concerns or changes promptly to nursing and physician staff.
- Provides education about treatment procedures and reinforces instructions to promote understanding and reduce anxiety.
- Monitors for side effects, adverse reactions, and treatment-related complications and responds according to established procedures.
- Provides comfort measures and supports patient dignity, privacy, self-image, and emotional well-being throughout the course of treatment.
- Identifies and responds appropriately to patient emergencies until additional clinical assistance is available.
- Assists in identifying barriers to care, including relevant social drivers of health, and communicates needs to the care team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - DOCUMENTATION & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

- Documents treatment delivery, imaging, patient interactions, daily time-outs, and other required information accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
- Inputs and verifies treatment data within ARIA or other oncology information systems and updates the patient care path and appointments as needed.
- Performs initial and weekly chart checks within role expectations and departmental procedures.
- Maintains complete treatment records and verifies treatment-related charges, diagnosis codes, billing physician information, and other required charge-capture elements.
- Protects patient confidentiality and maintains documentation in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policy, and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - RADIATION SAFETY & QUALITY ASSURANCE

- Applies radiation protection principles and identifies and responds to actual or potential radiation hazards.
- Performs assigned daily, weekly, and monthly quality assurance activities and reports variances or concerns.
- Completes pretreatment and routine chart checks in accordance with departmental standards.
- Detects equipment malfunctions and promptly notifies the appropriate clinical, physics, engineering, or leadership personnel.
- Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities that support safe, reliable treatment delivery.
- Complies with applicable NYS and PA Department of Health requirements, ARRT standards, accreditation requirements, and departmental radiation safety protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - TEAMWORK & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

- Participates effectively in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and coordinates patient needs while maintaining departmental priorities and schedules.
- Demonstrates flexibility in response to patient volume, workflow changes, staffing needs, and scheduling demands.
- Maintains professional, respectful, and collaborative interactions with patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and external partners.
- Takes initiative to assist coworkers and support safe departmental operations; maintains cleanliness, organization, and appropriate supply levels in treatment and simulation areas.
- Participates in weekend, holiday, and on-call rotations as required.
- Demonstrates accountability, integrity, reliability, attention to detail, and effective time management while working independently and as part of a team.
- Upholds the Patient Bill of Rights and follows organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

- Participates in department meetings, chart rounds, in-service education, and assigned learning activities.
- Maintains continuing education and competency requirements for certification and licensure.
- Supports students and peers by modeling professional conduct, patient-centered care, clinical best practices, and a culture of safety.
- Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional growth, teamwork, excellence, and quality improvement.

OTHER DUTIES

- It is understood that this description is not intended to be all inclusive, and that other duties may be assigned as necessary in the performance of this position.

Rev: 10-30-2026