Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Job in Pittsburgh, PA

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The duties and functions of the Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist includes but are not limited to the following:

• Schedules treatments and simulations in a manner as to optimize treatment machine times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
• 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.
• Verifies patient consent prior to initiating treatments.
• Completes a thorough chart check using CPRS and ARIA EMR prior to patient's treatment. Brings any errors or concerns to the attention of the physician, physicist, or dosimetrist.
• Completes the Simulation Encounters in ARIA and provides detailed notes of patient set up in ARIA and CPRS; imports digital pictures into ARIA, properly bills patient, and case edits in VistA.
• Utilizes electronic radiation treatment chart, ARIA, for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions.
• Is fully competent in all CT and computer software utilized to simulate patients and place isocenter. Is fully competent in ARIA tasks.
• Perform CT treatment planning scans for treatment planning/tumor localization, compensators and customized patient immobilization devices. This is achieved using a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
• Has knowledge of consultations, simulation, and treatment planning and treatment procedures.
• Obtains isocenter verification as prescribed and/or needed by the use of cone-beam CT, MVCT and/or the use of the on-board imaging system.
• Routinely takes port/verification films on patients under radiation treatment to maintain record of treatment accuracy in accordance to departmental procedures and APEX requirements; checks and verifies any changes in accordance with the physician's request.
• Utilizes electronic radiation treatment chart, ARIA, for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions.
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures using the "ALARA" principle (as low as reasonably achievable). This is achieved using lead-lined treatment room walls, thick concrete walls of RSO specifications, cornered doorways, distance management, and conscientious accident-free beam-on times.
• Maintains a safe, clean environment in accordance with universal infection control precautions and other established policies and procedures. Brings any deficient areas to the attention of the Radiation Supervisor.
• Maintains adequate supplies in the department, treatment vault and workstations.
• Properly warm up, QA, and operate CT simulator, LAP Lasers, and Bayer contrast injector. Maintains QA information in physics approved location. Brings to the physicist's attention any deviation in QA parameter and brings to Supervisor's attention any broken or damaged equipment.
• 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.
• Has the ability to recognize abnormalities in relevant lab procedures and notifies appropriate staff of an eGFR out of tolerance or patient is taking metformin, on a patient scheduled to receive CT contrast.
• Must be alert to patient's condition and other disorders. Reads patient's EMR for pertinent information on mental status, suicide risk, allergies, PMH, and other applicable information to gauge a better understanding of how to compassionately care for the patient.
• Utilize other therapists, physicians, and/or dosimetrist when needed.
• Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required.
• Has knowledge of The National Health Physics Program (NHPP), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, and Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JAHCO) regulations.
• Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained.
• Other duties can be assigned at the discretion of the Radiation Therapy Supervisor that are within the scope of the Radiation Therapist Functional Statement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/20/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12730899.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.