Senior Radiation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY
Provides advanced technical expertise in the accurate and safe delivery of radiation therapy treatments in accordance with physician prescriptions and established protocols. Utilizes complex radiation therapy equipment and imaging systems to ensure precise treatment delivery, while maintaining a strong focus on patient care, safety, and comfort. Collaborates effectively with physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and other healthcare professionals to support high-quality clinical outcomes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Accurately and efficiently operates treatment machines to deliver prescribed radiation doses; rotates across all therapy machines and CT simulators to perform all assigned procedures with precision and adherence to protocol.
• Provides oversight, guidance, and mentorship to staff therapists as directed by the Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Director.
• Generates and maintains electronic treatment charts (e-charts) using physician prescriptions and computerized treatment plans; reads, interprets, and implements complex radiation
therapy plans.
• Ensures strict compliance with radiation safety protocols to protect patients, personnel, students, and self.
• Maintains accurate written and electronic records of daily treatments, charges, and patient care activities.
• Coordinates patient scheduling and manages retrieval and organization of patient records to support efficient workflow.
• Synthesizes clinical and technical information from medical and physics staff to ensure accuracy in dose delivery, field setup, and the use of beam-modifying devices.
• Evaluates and monitors performance of treatment machines; assists with commissioning, calibration, quality assurance, and physical measurements to support system accuracy and
safety.
• Educates and prepares patients for radiation therapy; administers treatments and monitors patient condition throughout each session, ensuring comfort and safety.
• Communicates effectively with healthcare team members, patients, and families using clear, compassionate, and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Monitors patients' clinical progress during treatment; appropriately withholds treatment if necessary and refers the patient to medical or nursing staff for evaluation and intervention.
• Assists in the clinical training and evaluation of student therapists to support educational program goals.
• Adheres to all internal quality control measures, institutional policies, and regulatory standards established by UTMB and applicable agencies.
• Participates in the development and refinement of departmental policies, clinical procedures, and quality assurance protocols.
• Represents the department in meetings in the absence of the Clinical Supervisor and communicates relevant information to staff and leadership effectively.
• Maintains all licenses and certifications as required by UTMB, the State of Texas, and applicable accrediting bodies.
• Coordinates and oversees workflow and patient throughput within the treatment area; collaborates with supervisors and faculty to resolve technical or operational challenges and
implement appropriate solutions.
• Ensures the department maintains a clean, organized, and professional appearance.
• Participates in a yearly performance benchmark.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Knowledgeable in the areas of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
• Expertise in the technical aspects of radiation oncology.
• Possess effective communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
• Demonstrate high level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to include the ability to make quick evaluations and decisions.
• Ability to work independently, but in collaboration with the other members of the clinical and treatment teams
• Demonstrate leadership and mentorship interest and ability.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
• Associates degree in science related field, or radiologic graduate of an AMA accredited program in Radiation Therapy Technology.
• Five years of progressive experience as a staff therapist.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Varian Equipment

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required:
• Certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, in Radiation Therapy
• Licensed by the Texas Medical Board in Medical Radiologic Technology
• BLS certification through American Heart Association

Preferred:
• Certification in Computed Tomography



WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT
May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.

ON-CALL Employees are required to provide on-call coverage based on a rotating schedule, and as needed during emergencies (i.e., Disasters, Severe Weather Events, etc.) that impact various UTMB locations.

TRAVEL:
May require travel within the Houston Southeast region on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis, as needed.