Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
<ul><li>Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.</li><li>Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.</li><li>Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.</li><li>Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.</li><li>Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.</li><li>Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.</li><li>Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.</li><li>Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.</li><li>Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.</li><li>Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.</li><li>Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.</li><li>Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.</li><li>Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.</li><li>Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.</li><li>Photograph treated area of patient and process film.</li><li>Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.</li><li>Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.</li><li>Schedule patients for treatment times.</li><li>Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.</li></ul>