Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist – Join the #1 Cancer Hospital in the Nation!
Location: Houston, TX
Organization: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

About Us
At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we’re leading the charge in the fight against cancer. Recognized as the nation’s No. 1 hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report, we are one of the world’s most respected centers for cancer treatment, research, education, and prevention. Our commitment to innovation and patient-centered care makes us a global leader in cancer therapy, and we are looking for passionate, skilled individuals to join our world-class team.

Why MD Anderson?

• Unmatched Career Growth: At MD Anderson, you’ll have access to cutting-edge technologies and development opportunities that will shape your career at every stage. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned professional, we provide a comprehensive career development model with expert-level training and certifications.
• Flexible Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible shift patterns ensure that you can enjoy both professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
• Impact: As a Radiation Therapist at MD Anderson, you’ll make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of cancer patients every year. Your work will help us deliver life-saving treatments, while you collaborate with leading experts in the field.

What We Offer

• Exceptional Professional Development: Paid programs for advanced certifications, such as MRI, and rotation opportunities across various treatment areas.
• Collaborative, Innovative Environment: Work alongside leading experts in oncology, physics, and dosimetry.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, flexible hours, and a full range of benefits including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to ensure a fulfilling career and personal life.
• Mission-Driven Impact: Be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the fight against cancer, providing care to over 10,000 patients annually.

As a Radiation Therapist, you will play a vital role in delivering precision radiation therapy to cancer patients. You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that treatments are administered safely and accurately while providing compassionate care throughout the process. Your expertise will contribute to our world-renowned reputation for delivering the highest standard of cancer care.

The primary purpose of the Radiation Therapist is to provide skilled work involving the administration of a prescribed course of radiation therapy, maintaining treatment records and monitoring patients undergoing radiation therapy.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Administers safe and accurate radiation therapy treatment.

Clinical Practice Management:

·         Ensures accurate treatment delivery and data capture, the radiation therapist demonstrates sound clinical judgment and adheres to accurate treatment and simulation delivery.

·         Gathers necessary set-up aids and prepares room and equipment for patient.

o    Consistently works at a speed that supports treatment/simulation unit scheduling.

o    Maintains appropriate treatment and simulation records and data. Sets appropriate treatment unit parameters

·         Demonstrates necessary manual dexterity and psychomotor skills to operate and manipulate the mechanical motions of complex radiation-emitting treatment units. Works under stress and pressure.

·         Adapts without difficulty to changes in work schedule or assigned area as departmental patient load dictates.

·         Visually monitors patient for unusual reaction and events and reports same to radiation oncologist throughout the course of radiation therapy

·         Explains treatment procedure to the patient as it is performed communicating in a clear, concise voice; answers patient's and family's questions and defers those not within his/her competence to the radiation oncologist. Verbally reinforces radiation oncologist's advice to patient regarding reactions to treatment and their care. Recognizes patient's needs and responds to them appropriately. Refers patient to other allied health specialists, such as a social workers, dietitians and nursing.

2. Performs and maintains Quality Assurance activities.

Quality Assurance Management:

·         Complies with departmental quality assurance practices.

·         Visually ascertains that consent forms for radiation therapy are in the treatment record and have been signed by the patient before administering the treatment.

·         Monitors and maintains daily treatment records and machine QA, inclusive of but not limited to the following: adheres to portal image review/approval guidelines as required by the department makes adjustments in field placement as needed.

·         Verbally notifies physics or engineering if measurements do not fall into accepted parameters. Visually recognizes and reports erratic operation of equipment to supervisor, engineering staff and/or Administrative Director for Therapy Services.

·         Checks prescription, set-up instructions, new start procedures, and patient information in the record and verify system, etc. Reviews the records for any discrepancies between the prescription, treatment plan, and amendments.

·         Attends planning clinic as assigned.

·         Performs, monitors, and maintains mandatory quality control activities and documentation.

3. Maintains Competency Management

Competency Management:

·         Ensures that appropriate clinical skills are learned and maintained to support treatment and simulation delivery, the radiation therapist demonstrates and adheres to:

·         Maintenance of departmentally identified base competencies inclusive of performing calculations.

·         Accurate documentation and maintenance of competency assessment criteria.

·         Facilitates learning consistent with expectations of documented competency level by attending lectures, seminars, and in-services to stay abreast of new techniques and to comply with licensure and competency requirements.

·         Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and professional behaviors (soft skills) and participation in competency assessments.

·         Consistently works within the scope of practice and competency level.

4. Participates in clinical instruction/evaluation

Education and Training Management:

·         Actively participates in practitioner/students education and assessment.

·         Demonstrates practice related learning, share knowledge and skills learned to students and peers.

·         Participates in departmental/institutional learning initiatives and in-services.

·         Orients and teaches new students/therapists rotating to treatment unit.

·         Participates in the monthly evaluations on the students, assessing cognitive, affective and psychomotor objectives.  

5. Adhere to departmental guidelines and institutional policies

·         Adheres to department policies, guidelines, and procedures.

·         Completes internal variance forms for any error and forwards it to the supervisor for follow up within 24 hours.

·         Consistently adheres to all departmental policies concerning radiation therapy treatment, attendance, and dress code.

·         Adheres to Kronos Procedures, effective time management.

·         Utilizes resources and controls resources through careful management of supplies and equipment.

·         Effectively uses the experience and abilities of other staff members.

·         Willing to take instruction, discipline, correction, and guidance.

·         Demonstrates enthusiasm and shows initiative to begin, complete and improve all actions required to accomplish job.

6. Other duties as assigned.