Therapeutic Radiological Tech (Oncology)

Veterans Health Administration; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 87,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Therapeutic Radiological Tech (Oncology) position with Veterans Health Administration involves delivering prescribed radiation therapy in Oncology, performing start-up, QA, and on-call duties, and assisting physics staff. The role includes accurate imaging, localization, and patient education, with strict adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities span patient preparation, daily machine warm-up, record-keeping of doses, and collaboration with the clinical team to ensure high-quality

Qualifications

• Must be certified radiographer per 42 CFR Part 75.
• CPR certification required and recertification as needed.
• Education recognized by US DoE; foreign equivalency certificate may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide radiation therapy as prescribed under supervision.
• Start-up, QA, and shut-down of equipment.
• Perform simulations and acquire images for localization (OBI/CBCT/MV).
• Schedule patients to optimize treatment times and manage emergencies.
• Maintain patient safety and radiation protection procedures.
• Record treatment parameters, doses, and field sizes.
• Educate patients and families, explain procedures during treatment.

Skills

Radiation therapy

QA & calibration

Simulation

Radiation safety

Patient care

IV administration

CPR certification

Education

ARRT Radiography Certification

Tools

Linear accelerator

IMRT equipment

CBCT imaging

Job description

Therapeutic Radiological Tech (Oncology)

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The incumbent's primary responsibilities are to provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist. Other tasks include start-up, QA, and shut-down of equipment, electronic field imaging, charge capturing, simulation and on-call.

Key Responsibilities

Incumbent functions as a Therapeutic Radiology Therapist in Radiology Service, Oncology Section. Duties include but are not limited to: Receiving patients and explains methods of procedure to the patient. Makes radiographs needed to localize the tumor volume in patients, which requires proper use of various anatomical marking devices.

Constructs accurate contour of the patient's body and performs necessary measurements to be utilized by the physicist during computer calculations of the treatment plan. Independently performs warm-up checks of each radiation therapy machine to assists the Radiation Physicist in identification and correction of machine malfunctions. Works with the physicists for QA and other physics related issues.

Duties include, but are not limited to: Schedule patients in a manner so as to optimize linear accelerator/simulator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prepare room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc. Perform and document daily accelerator/simulator warm-up and QA procedures.

Report erratic or malfunctioning equipment to Chief Therapist, Physicist and/or Engineer. Perform simulations. Administers contrast materials and should have a thorough understanding of protocol before, during and after contrast is given. Observe patient for reactions to contrast. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices.

Perform mold room duties. Review prescription, diagnosis, treatment plan, identification, and chart for accuracy prior to treatment. Properly identifies patient by confirming verbally name, social security number and/or date of birth. Technologist must wear proper and visible identification. Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their family members by answering questions.

Transfer patient safely to treatment couch giving special attention to catheters, intravenous drips, etc. Position patient for treatment with accuracy according to prescription. Explain procedure to patient, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment.

Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body site using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards with minimal supervision. Maintain visual and audible communication with patient during treatment. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, visitors, staff and self. Technologist must wear film badge in compliance with regulations.

Records all parameters involved with each patient, including daily and accumulated doses, treatment time, field size and type of radiation used. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.

Responsible for weekly stocking and inventory of all radiation oncology supplies and related materials. Public Law 97-35 requires persons hired after 1987 who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR, Part 75, must be certified as radiographers in their fields and maintain annual licensure renewal. CPR certification and recertification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines.

Performs irregular hour emergency simulation and radiation treatment. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Continually reviews new developments in the field of Radiation Therapy. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of treatment utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible treatments.

Maintain patient markings. Observe patient for side effects such as skin irritation, nausea, and hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment. Obtain electronic radiation treatment field images. (OBI, CBCT, MV) and photos. Maintains an accurate schedule and performs charge capturing. Assist in training and orienting new staff and students. Participate in departmental PI (Performance Improvement) activities and all other duties as required.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $87096 – $113219/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-28.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.