The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) serves the Radiation Oncology department within the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center, VA Health Care System. The incumbent Obtains and synthesizes pertinent clinical data to facilitate the radiation oncology process. Participates in developing optimal treatment strategies.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Effective January 1, 2017, candidates are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months in duration. The medical dosimetry program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Exception. Candidates who graduated prior to January 1, 2017, are considered to have met the basic education requirement provided they meet all Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) requirements and are in good standing. Note: Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Foreign equivalency evaluation from The Foundation for International Services, Inc. or the International Education Research Foundation is required. Foreign equivalency documentation from any other organization will not be considered. Certification. All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB. Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work. NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, P.L. 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. § 75. They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or be a Radiation Therapist certified in medical dosimetry. English Language Proficiency. Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GS-12 Grade Determinations: Experience. Must have at least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-11) grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs. These include, but are not limited to, developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and importing images for fusion during the planning process. Contour critical structures and tumor volumes. Provide input on radiation safety practices, quality standards, and abide by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures. GS-11 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Knowledge of radiation safety practices, including reporting discrepancies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, accrediting agencies, policies, and standard operating procedures. Skill at importing diagnostic imaging studies from multiple media types and image fusion using CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET CT) for complex treatment planning. Skill in using computer treatment software to develop an accurate deliverable complex plan, such as 3D conformal, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, Volumetric Arc Therapy, and stereotactic techniques, dose limitation to critical structures, Record and Verify software, and quality assurance (QA) methods following the directive outlined by the radiation oncologist. Ability to effectively communicate all aspects of the directive and treatment planning process with the radiation oncology team to solve complex clinical treatment challenges. Ability to delineate and accurately contour critical structures and tumor volumes used to develop a deliverable treatment plan through an in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and all diagnostic imaging modalities. Ability to provide input or assist with the use or necessity of ancillary treatment devices, patient immobilization techniques, and other patient positioning techniques as needed for simulation or treatment. Ability to apply new developments, planning techniques, and technology in the field of radiation therapy, such as but not limited to, treatment planning system QA. AND GS-12 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. Skill at effective communication and leadership as demonstrated by providing orientation and training for staff, providing input for yearly appraisals, directing progress and coordination of workload, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care. Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. Skill to independently perform complex treatment procedures as evidenced by completing tasks such as developing and troubleshooting highly complex isodose treatment plans, delineating critical structures and tumor volumes, performing weekly chart checks, performing QA verifications, and providing training on all aspects of the Record and Verify System, such as Mosaiq or Aria. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment, simulation procedures, and treatment delivery implementation. Ability to follow protocols, including, but not limited to, developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures, participating in research programs, ensuring compliance with the radiation safety office, national program office, and accrediting agencies, and following established quality standard measures. Ability to apply a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements, including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter, or film measurement, as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist and perform or assist with the QA procedures as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higherlevel duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the 8 advanced level, Medical Dosimetrists are fully functional dosimetrists with knowledge and experience applying an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Medical Dosimetrists serve as integral team members for complex treatment planning, QA verifications, weekly chart checks and ability to train on all aspects of the Record and Verify System. Medical Dosimetrists train staff, evaluate workload, and ensure compliance with all necessary governing bodies and standard operation procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties: Generation of external beam radiation dose distribution and the performance of dose calculations in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescription to a defined tumor volume. Considers dose-limiting structures in the design of treatment plans and documents dose in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescription. Participates in treatment simulations and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, MRI and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology Performs or assist in the application of specific methods of dosimetry as directed by the medical physicist. Documents treatment parameters associated with the radiation therapy process. Evaluates, critiques, and recommends changes to the radiation therapy process as necessary. Quality improvement programs allow the Dosimetrist to be a responsible member of the health care team by continually assessing professional performance. Takes responsibility for professional decisions. Respects the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. Provides patient and public education and promotes principles of good health. Participate in continuing education in the area of current treatment planning techniques and advances in medical dosimetry. Adhere to the established Standards of Medical Dosimetrist Practice and Code of Ethics. Maintain patient records and files; follow HIPAA guidelines regarding patient information. Familiar with the principles of DRR and electronic transfer of medical information. Knowledge of radiation oncology billing and coding. The dosimetrist must demonstrate an understanding of human cross-sectional anatomy and medical terminology. Works with radiation therapists, the radiation oncologist, and the medical physicist as a member of the radiation therapy team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiation oncologists during the planning process. Utilizes skill when requesting the appropriate procedural codes, accessing correct patient data, and matching soft copy images correctly prior to sending them through to the treatment planning system. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested, when part of a standard procedure, or when required for protocol review. Maintains records and files of plans run on patients. This includes the Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Wears a film badge in compliance with radiation regulations and guidelines of the state. Hospital Identification Badge is worn in accordance with hospital regulations. Maintains adequate supplies for dosimetry. Maintains workspace and equipment in a clean, neat, and safe condition at all times. Notifies physics staff of equipment issues and follows instruction. Reports all environmental and/or equipment issues to the Supervisory Radiation therapist. May perform irregular hour emergency planning on standby, in compliance with department policy, so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Knowledgeable of the MU calc program for use with emergency patients. Works with Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, Department Nurses, Clerical staff & other Dosimetrist, as a member of the radiation therapy team to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy team. Continually keeping current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the new technologies available. Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required. Participates in reviewing, revising, or authoring policies and procedures as needed. May instruct therapists, residents, & staff on new dosimetry techniques or equipment. Assists with analysis of dosimetry-specific data collected for the ongoing departmental quality & improvement process. Knowledgeable of the MU calc program for use with emergency patients. Evaluates new products and equipment to make recommendations to the supervisor concerning upgrades or new purchases that would improve operation. Helps in interviewing, selecting, and hiring new employees. Provides oral and/or written instruction for non-routine and complex treatment plans. Updates policies and procedures for the dosimetry area in conjunction with a medical physicist. Oversees initial set-ups of complex treatment plans, assisting as necessary and modifying as needed prior to treatment delivery with the approval of the radiation oncologist. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 07:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 26169-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized