The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist will perform CT treatment planning scans for treatment planning/tumor localization and creates customized patient immobilization devices as a member of the Radiation Oncology Service located at the Richard L. Roudebush (VAMC). Incumbent will deliver the prescribed therapeutic radiation from the Radiation Oncologist' orders.

Duties

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. Obtaining machine check for rotational therapy and electronic dynamic wedge verification. Performs daily imaging procedures to ensure correct operations. Alerts appropriate staff as necessary if parameters fall outside the recommendations Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and each daily radiation treatment is delivered. Understands the process of consultations, simulation, and treatment planning and treatment procedures. Ability to determine the appropriate timely sequence for patient studies and any special orders required. Verifies patient consent prior to initiating CT simulation. Prepares required contrast materials that are to be used for treatment simulations. Ensures proper use and administration of the contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient morbidity and mortality, therefore it is essential that the therapist has a thorough understanding of contrast material usage. Must be alert to patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Must be able to communicate orally exam preparations/special orders to patients and hospital staff. Ability to recognize abnormalities in relevant lab procedures and notifies appropriate staff. Properly operates CT simulator, provides reproducible patient treatment position sets ups. That can be accurately used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator. Provides custom patient immobilization devices as instructed or departmental protocol. After CT scan is acquired and isocenter or reference point is obtained, the therapist will transfer the images to the dosimetry treatment planning system (Eclipse). Indicates on patient's skin with tattoos and or markings required to locate treatment area. Understands the computer operations to insure proper control of computer patient data input to insure accuracy of data output and of complex computer applications relating to treatment planning. Verifies patient's treatment area daily in the treatment machine vault. Performs simulation verification before prescribed treatment. Accurately reproduces initial simulation set-up, with proper patient positioning, immobilizing devices, to ensure proper alignment and quality treatment. Obtains isocenter verification, treatment field verification of conformal blocking or multi-leaf collimation. Obtains isocenter verification as needed by the use to cone bean CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system. Utilizes electronic radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions. Employs any necessary accessory beam modifying devices, i.e., bolus. Verifies correct multi-leaf collimation and electronic dynamic wedges. Delivers prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription. This included convention, 3-D conformal, electron delivery, IMRT treatment delivery, IGRT treatment delivery, SBRT, Rapid Arc treatment delivery, and Stereotactic Radiosurgery procedures. Maintains patient records and files. Follows HIPPA guidelines regarding patient information. Routinely takes port/verification images on patients under radiation treatment, to record of treatment accuracy in accordance to departmental procedures, checks maintain and verifies any changes in accordance with the physician's request Promptly sends alerts to physicist in patient's electronic treatment chart any change in treatment, i.e., change in patients SSD reading, change in field measurements, adjustments to position of treatment field, or patients treatment status if not treated, in order to make corrections in the treatment calendar, calculations or prescription as needed Ability to perform irregular hour emergency treatments on standby, 24 hours per day coverage, availability within 2 hours from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91906-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T) Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). *MUST INCLUDE COPY OF ACTIVE CERTIFICATION IN APPLICATION PACKET 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Experience : At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9, Full Performance) level directly related to the position being filled. In addition to the required experience, candidates must demonstrate, in their resume, all the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) below: (a) Skill in independently performing machine warm up procedures and interpreting output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance. (b) Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. (c) Ability to independently perform all basic and complex CT simulations, including independently operating the CT equipment, following directives, designing custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtaining optimal imaging, completing accurate data transfer for treatment planning and providing accurate and precise patient documentation. (d) Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images References: VA Handbook 5005/Part II Appendix G26 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling (1.5 hours), pulling hand over hand (1.5 hours),pushing (1.5 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (5 hours) standing (5 hours) repeated bending (3 hours) ability for rapid mental and muscular co-ordination simultaneously, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional and mental stability. speech, English language proficiency.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T).

Certification
All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)).

Contacts

• Address Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center 1481 West Tenth Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 US
• Name: Lenora Turney
• Phone: 317-793-8031
• Email: [email protected]