Radiation Therapist

Military Hospital – Texas

Position Summary

The Radiation Therapist delivers precise therapeutic radiation treatments to active duty military personnel, veterans, military families, and civilian beneficiaries as prescribed by radiation oncologists. This position requires expertise in operating sophisticated radiation therapy equipment while providing compassionate care to patients with cancer and other conditions requiring radiation treatment in a military healthcare setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Treatment Delivery

• Administer precise radiation therapy treatments using linear accelerators, CT simulators, and other radiation therapy equipment
• Position patients accurately using immobilization devices, lasers, and imaging guidance systems
• Operate and monitor radiation therapy equipment including IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, and brachytherapy systems
• Perform daily quality assurance checks on radiation therapy equipment and document results
• Monitor patients during treatment for adverse reactions and provide immediate intervention as needed

Patient Care and Safety

• Explain treatment procedures and address patient concerns with empathy and professionalism
• Maintain strict radiation safety protocols for patients, staff, and visitors
• Document treatment delivery, patient positioning, and any variations from prescribed treatment plans
• Recognize and respond to medical emergencies during treatment sessions
• Provide emotional support to patients and families coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment

Military-Specific Responsibilities

• Treat military personnel with service-related cancers including those potentially linked to environmental exposures
• Support urgent treatment needs for active duty personnel requiring rapid return to duty
• Participate in emergency preparedness and mass casualty radiation exposure protocols
• Maintain security clearance requirements and handle classified medical information appropriately

Technical Operations

• Perform patient setup verification using portal imaging, cone beam CT, and other image-guided technologies
• Calculate and verify treatment parameters, monitor units, and dose distributions
• Maintain accurate treatment records and participate in chart review processes
• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and nursing staff
• Assist with treatment planning procedures including CT simulation and target localization

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and safety programs
• Ensure compliance with NRC regulations, state licensing requirements, and military medical standards
• Complete mandatory radiation safety training and continuing education requirements
• Maintain professional certification and participate in professional development activities

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate degree or certificate from an accredited radiation therapy program
• Current registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiation Therapy
• Current state licensure in Texas for radiation therapy
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance
• Minimum 1-2 years of clinical experience preferred

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Previous military or federal healthcare experience
• Advanced certification in specialized techniques (IMRT, IGRT, SRS/SBRT)
• Experience with multiple linear accelerator platforms (Varian, Elekta)
• Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred)

Technical Competencies:

• Proficiency with treatment planning systems (Eclipse, Pinnacle, Monaco)
• Experience with image-guided radiation therapy systems
• Knowledge of radiation safety principles and regulations
• Familiarity with oncology information systems (ARIA, MOSAIQ)
• Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and radiation biology

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and position patients up to 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity for precise equipment operation and patient positioning
• Visual acuity adequate for treatment setup verification and monitoring
• Ability to stand for extended periods during treatment delivery
• Physical stamina to work in radiation-controlled environments with protective equipment

Work Environment

• Clinical radiation oncology department with high-energy radiation equipment
• Exposure to ionizing radiation within regulated safety limits
• Fast-paced environment with critically ill cancer patients
• May require rotating shifts, weekend, and holiday coverage
• Potential for emergency call-back for urgent treatments
• Strict adherence to radiation safety protocols required

Specialized Equipment Experience

• Linear accelerators (TrueBeam, VitalBeam, Clinac series)
• CT simulation systems with 4D capabilities
• Image-guided radiation therapy systems (CBCT, portal imaging)
• Stereotactic radiosurgery platforms
• Brachytherapy afterloading systems
• Treatment planning and verification software

Benefits

• Competitive federal salary scale (GS-11/12 typical range)
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• Federal retirement system participation
• Annual and sick leave accrual
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Military base privileges and services
• Continuing education funding for maintaining certifications

Career Development Opportunities

• Advanced training in emerging radiation therapy techniques
• Leadership development programs
• Potential for specialized assignments or temporary duty
• Research participation opportunities
• Mentoring of radiation therapy students and new graduates

This position offers the opportunity to provide cutting-edge cancer treatment to military personnel and their families while working with state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology in a supportive, mission-focused environment.