Radiation Therapist Assistant - First Shift

Duke PF; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health's Radiation Therapist Assistant, First Shift, is based at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. You will support licensed radiation therapists and oncology care teams to deliver patient-centered care while maintaining a safe treatment environment and a smooth workflow throughout radiation therapy sessions.

The role emphasizes collaboration within an academic medical center, with opportunities to contribute to teaching and research activities and to advance patient outcomes and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Experience in a healthcare or clinical support role, ideally in oncology or radiology, is strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and patient care practices.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, academic healthcare environment.
• Basic computer proficiency; EMR systems experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, linear accelerators, and related equipment for daily clinical use.
• Escort patients and provide compassionate support, ensuring comfort and dignity during treatment visits.
• Coordinate patient appointments in collaboration with clinical teams.
• Adhere to radiation safety, infection prevention, and institutional protocols.
• Assist with departmental workflow optimization.
• Maintain inventory of clinical supplies and readiness of treatment areas.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork in multidisciplinary setting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in a healthcare-related field

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Radiation Therapist Assistant – First Shift

Work Arrangement: On‑Site

Requisition Number: 268835

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC 27710

Date: Jul 18, 2026

At Duke Health, we are driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Job Summary

The Radiation Therapist Assistant at Duke University Hospital supports licensed radiation therapists and oncology care teams in delivering patient‑centered care. As part of a leading academic medical center, this role contributes to exceptional patient care by ensuring efficient workflow, maintaining a safe treatment environment, and enhancing the patient experience throughout the course of radiation therapy.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, linear accelerators, and related equipment for daily clinical use.
• Escort patients and provide compassionate support, ensuring comfort and dignity throughout treatment visits.
• Support coordination of patient appointments in collaboration with clinical teams.
• Adhere to all radiation safety, infection prevention, and institutional protocols.
• Assist with departmental workflow optimization.
• Maintain inventory of clinical supplies and ensure readiness of treatment areas.
• Contribute to a collaborative, academic environment by supporting teaching and research activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in a healthcare‑related field preferred.
• Prior experience in a healthcare or clinical support role strongly preferred, ideally in oncology or radiology.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and patient care practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to compassionate, patient‑centered care.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, academic healthcare environment.
• Basic computer proficiency: experience with EMR systems preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in radiation oncology or cancer care setting.
• Familiarity with radiation safety practices.
• CPR/BLS certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Interest in academic medicine, research, or healthcare advancement.
• Fast‑paced academic medical center with a focus on innovation, education, and clinical excellence.
• Direct patient interaction in oncology treatment settings.
• Requires adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist patients with mobility and positioning.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting as needed in a clinical environment.

Why Join Duke

• Work at a nationally recognized academic medical center known for excellence in oncology care.
• Opportunities for professional growth, education, and career advancement.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven environment focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.

Reports To

Radiation Oncology Chief Therapist or Lead Radiation Therapist

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Markets

Major Market: Durham

Secondary Market: Raleigh