Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

US Department of Veterans Affairs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs in Richmond, VA seeks a Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist responsible for obtaining diagnostic-quality radiographs, assisting with treatment planning, and ensuring radiation safety. The role requires ARRT (T) certification and a JRCERT-accredited education program with advanced dosimetry knowledge.

The position covers multiple therapy levels (GS-6 to GS-9). On-site work, with rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergencies.

Qualifications

• Certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by ARRT (T).
• Completion of a JRCERT-accredited program in therapy radiologic technology.
• ARRT certification in Radiology and program completion with 12-month therapy focus.

Responsibilities

• Obtain diagnostic-quality x-ray films and assist in treatment planning.
• Ensure radiation protection standards and safety measures.
• Operate therapy equipment (linear accelerator, simulator) and support treatment schedules.

Skills

ARRT Certification

Dosimetry knowledge

English proficiency

Education

JRCERT-accredited program

Tools

CT/Simulator scanner

Linear accelerator

Job description

The Therapeutic Radiologic Tech performs a wide array of complex duties of a strategically critical nature. Receives patients and briefly explains methods of procedure to the patient. Makes radiographs needed to localize the tumor volume in patients that require proper use of various anatomical marking devices. Constructs and performs accurate measurements of the patient's body to be utilized by the physicist and/or dosimetrist during computer calculations. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification. (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T). (2) Certification in Medical Dosimetry is not a basic requirement for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience or Education. Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology, and the subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the radiation therapy programs recognized by the US
• Physical Requirements. The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes, treatment devices, and molds with heavier lifting of wedges and specially designed shielding blocks. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working in strained positions. The deterioration of the patient due to disease progression often requires lifting of the patient from stretchers or wheelchairs to treatment and examination tables utilizing special techniques designed to minimize the discomfort of the patient. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties

Obtains x-ray films of diagnostic quality of the skull, torso, and extremities. Works with dedicated CT/Simulator scanner in developing treatment plan. Determines technical factors to be used, sets up accessory equipment as required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. In general, each radiation therapist is required to possess the basic skills of a diagnostic technologist and still further possess additional knowledge concerning the areas of dosimetry, electronics, and radiation biology.

Ensures radiation protection standards are met, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effect of radiation on living organisms, and the safety of each treatment on patient and operator to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained. Recognize when changes of equipment might result in increased exposure and recommend methods to prevent exposure. Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave. Change film badge once a month. Adhere to medical center protective equipment policy for ionizing radiation exposure.

Operates various types of equipment used in radiation treatment. Equipment is highly complex and technical in application. These include tissue compensator, linear accelerator, and computerized treatment planning simulator. Recognizes any irregularity in the performance parameters of the therapy units and informs supervisor and/or physicist immediately before proceeding with treatment. Recognizes emergencies during therapy and takes prompt measures to rectify them.

This position requires rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage. When on-call, if called or paged, should answer call within 5 minutes and respond to medical center within 45 minutes. Employee may be called upon for duties as required by the supervisor.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7

Functions: With higher level TRT (8,9,10 or Chief Therapist) supervision and indirect guidance

Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.

Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level.

Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8

Functions: Mostly Independent with supervision of Chief Therapist and higher level TRT

Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.

Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level.

Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

Functions: Independently with supervision of Chief Therapist and higher level TRT

Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.

Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level.

Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.

Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required.

Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures as needed.

Participates in Non-Supervisory Leadership classes given at VA or outside program.

Qualifies to become Clinical Supervisory for Radiation Therapy Students.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-9

Preferred Experience: Prior experience in a clinical environment. Certified in Radiation Therapy.