Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)
He/she is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has extensive education and expertise necessary to generate advanced radiation dose distributions (2D/3D and IMRT) and dose calculations. The recognition of critical structures, beams at different energy levels, the behavior of numerous tumors, the tolerance level of radiation in the different regions of the human body, and the ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of wedges, boluses, and blocking techniques are critical to the position. Performs independently with minimal oversight in the accomplishment of this position. Some of the duties include, but are not limited to:
Schedules, plans, and organizes work for the radiation treatment of patients. Under the guidance of Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist, develops complex treatment plans using various dose calculating software packages. Maintains with accuracy all therapy records, charts, files, calibration records, and treatment planning records. Shares responsibility with radiation therapists in preparing imaging, simulation, treatment, and ancillary equipment patient use, and provides instructions as needed. Instructs and mentors new hires and other therapists within the department. Works with medical physicist to perform monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual testing of equipment. Verifies accuracy of machine setting, output, congruence, and other mandated measurements, recording them accurately for review. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday; Hours:
8:
00am to 4:
30pm FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT:
Not Required BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005. Certification. Must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T) and Medical Dosimetry (CMD). Experience or Education. Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology, and the subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the radiation therapy programs recognized by the US Department of Education. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified (registered) as radiation therapists in their field. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Therapeutic Radiologic Technology (TRT) Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current therapeutic radiologic technology practice including Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS), digital imaging, and Computed Radiography (CR) readers. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate TRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a TRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a TRT is creditable according to its relationship to full-time workweek. For example, a TRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignment Definition. The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has an in-depth knowledge of high dose ionizing radiation and of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment; is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy; and has the education and expertise necessary to independently generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical physicist and radiation oncologist. The TRT-Dosimetrist may attain certification in one of two ways, either a progressive learning program within radiation oncology overseen by a qualified medical physicist and radiation oncologist encompassing approximately 3 years of intense training and education or with the completion of a 1-year intensive course in an approved medical dosimetry program, and then taking and achieving board certification as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD). GRADE DETERMINATION
Experience:
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, and must fully meet the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Ability to apply in depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and numerous types of tumors and their routes of spread to design multiple plans for oncologist approval and selection. Ability to calculate the needed monitor units according to oncologist prescription with distribution of the dose to be delivered in various ratios applying extensive knowledge of critical structures and their tolerances to accurately deliver the prescribed dose. Ability to troubleshoot and assist other TRTs in the resolution of patient set up problems. For GS:
12 - Employees at this level are fully functional as a dosimetrist with the knowledge and experience to apply an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Employees will have an in-depth knowledge of computer programs and operations, and methodologies of data transfer and reconstruction. Performs complex 2D-3D treatment plans and presents to radiation oncologists for review and acceptance. Serves as an integral team member for brachytherapy procedures, utilizing ultrasound to determine volumetric data, positioning of templates for insertion of radioactive sources, and transfer of data from ultrasound equipment to treatment planning computers for generation of dose volume histograms (DVH). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
Ability to perform quality assurance procedures for brachytherapy procedures and oversee brachytherapy planning. Ability to develop and update policy and procedures for the dosimetry area with the oversight of the medical physicist. Ability to work with the medical physicist to perform monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual testing of equipment. Verifies accuracy of machine setting, output, congruence, and other mandated measurements, recording them accurately for review. Extensive knowledge level of human anatomy, physiology, malignant tumors, routes of spread, critical structures, and tolerance levels of all sites of the body to plan complex, multi-field treatment plans. Skill to oversee initial set-ups of complex treatment plans, giving assistance as needed to make any modifications needed prior to any treatment being administered. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. REFERENCES:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G26, Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, available in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements. The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes, treatment devices, and molds with heavier lifting of wedges and specially designed shielding blocks. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working in strained positions. The deterioration of the patient due to disease progression often requires lifting of the patient from stretchers or wheelchairs to treatment and examination tables utilizing special techniques designed to minimize the discomfort of the patient. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Schedules, plans, and organizes work for the radiation treatment of patients. Under the guidance of Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist, develops complex treatment plans using various dose calculating software packages. Maintains with accuracy all therapy records, charts, files, calibration records, and treatment planning records. Shares responsibility with radiation therapists in preparing imaging, simulation, treatment, and ancillary equipment patient use, and provides instructions as needed. Instructs and mentors new hires and other therapists within the department. Works with medical physicist to perform monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual testing of equipment. Verifies accuracy of machine setting, output, congruence, and other mandated measurements, recording them accurately for review. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday; Hours:
8:
00am to 4:
30pm FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT:
Not Required BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005. Certification. Must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T) and Medical Dosimetry (CMD). Experience or Education. Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology, and the subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the radiation therapy programs recognized by the US Department of Education. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified (registered) as radiation therapists in their field. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Therapeutic Radiologic Technology (TRT) Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current therapeutic radiologic technology practice including Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS), digital imaging, and Computed Radiography (CR) readers. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate TRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a TRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a TRT is creditable according to its relationship to full-time workweek. For example, a TRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignment Definition. The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has an in-depth knowledge of high dose ionizing radiation and of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment; is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy; and has the education and expertise necessary to independently generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical physicist and radiation oncologist. The TRT-Dosimetrist may attain certification in one of two ways, either a progressive learning program within radiation oncology overseen by a qualified medical physicist and radiation oncologist encompassing approximately 3 years of intense training and education or with the completion of a 1-year intensive course in an approved medical dosimetry program, and then taking and achieving board certification as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD). GRADE DETERMINATION
Experience:
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, and must fully meet the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Ability to apply in depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and numerous types of tumors and their routes of spread to design multiple plans for oncologist approval and selection. Ability to calculate the needed monitor units according to oncologist prescription with distribution of the dose to be delivered in various ratios applying extensive knowledge of critical structures and their tolerances to accurately deliver the prescribed dose. Ability to troubleshoot and assist other TRTs in the resolution of patient set up problems. For GS:
12 - Employees at this level are fully functional as a dosimetrist with the knowledge and experience to apply an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Employees will have an in-depth knowledge of computer programs and operations, and methodologies of data transfer and reconstruction. Performs complex 2D-3D treatment plans and presents to radiation oncologists for review and acceptance. Serves as an integral team member for brachytherapy procedures, utilizing ultrasound to determine volumetric data, positioning of templates for insertion of radioactive sources, and transfer of data from ultrasound equipment to treatment planning computers for generation of dose volume histograms (DVH). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
Ability to perform quality assurance procedures for brachytherapy procedures and oversee brachytherapy planning. Ability to develop and update policy and procedures for the dosimetry area with the oversight of the medical physicist. Ability to work with the medical physicist to perform monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual testing of equipment. Verifies accuracy of machine setting, output, congruence, and other mandated measurements, recording them accurately for review. Extensive knowledge level of human anatomy, physiology, malignant tumors, routes of spread, critical structures, and tolerance levels of all sites of the body to plan complex, multi-field treatment plans. Skill to oversee initial set-ups of complex treatment plans, giving assistance as needed to make any modifications needed prior to any treatment being administered. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. REFERENCES:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G26, Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, available in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements. The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes, treatment devices, and molds with heavier lifting of wedges and specially designed shielding blocks. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working in strained positions. The deterioration of the patient due to disease progression often requires lifting of the patient from stretchers or wheelchairs to treatment and examination tables utilizing special techniques designed to minimize the discomfort of the patient. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
- Department:
0648 Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist - Salary Range:
$103,184 to $134,144 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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