Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist-Dosimetrist

<p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>A Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist), referred to as "Medical Dosimetrist" is a member of the radiation oncology team working collaboratively with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist meeting cancer patients' needs through radiation therapy. Medical Dosimetrists have an in-depth knowledge of high dose ionizing radiation and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment. Major duties: Enters irregular fields, patient contours, and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enters approved treatment fields into the record and verify system, assuring that all patient data is correctly input and transferred to the treatment machine for treatment of a patient. Accurately computes radiation dose to individual parts, tumors, organs of interest, and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety of normal tissue. Proficient at importing diagnostic images from the hospital system to perform image fusion with the treatment planning scan. Working with the radiation therapists in the implementation of the patient treatment plans, including, the correct application of immobilization devices, beam modification devices, approved field arrangements, and other treatment variables. Uses imaging modalities such as CT scans, alone or in combination with MRI or PET scans, create conventional or IMRT treatment plans that enable us to give higher doses of radiation to a tumor while lowering the doses to the sensitive structures around it. Conscientiously maintains awareness of dose-tissue tolerance. Drafts one or several isocentric plans, as required, with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and the parameters set by the treating physician. Submits plan choices to the appropriate physician to aid in determining the best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis. Maintains a record of upcoming boost treatment plans, so that they may be prepared within the prescribed practice and professional competency. Initiates complex treatment planning, utilizing the most up-to-date technology available, including 3D conformal, IMRT techniques, and stereotactic techniques. Creates set-up fields for treatment including, KV and CBCT fields, for verification of treatment parameters. Prepares fields for treatment, including set-up notes, photos, and scheduling of filming, in RT chart. Utilizes the electronic chart per the departmental standards and procedures. Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment, such as boosts, cord block, wedges, and other various treatment aids. Accurately diagrams/describes patient set-up when necessary to assure treatment method may be easily understood by the therapists administering the treatments. Attends weekly chart rounds of patients on treatment. Assists with radiation treatment delivery when necessary. Assists CT scan technologists and instructs them as to the scan slices that will be needed and/or patient positioning for the best treatment plan. Ensures CT scans are promptly imported to the planning system for image fusion to assure smooth patient flow. Works with Radiation Oncologists, Therapists, Nursing, and Clerical staff, as a member of the radiation therapy team to accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy department effectively and efficiently Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Functional Statement #: 70298F Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.<h3>Education</h3>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.