Theraputic Radilogic Thechnologist (Certified Medical Dosimetrist)
The duties and responsibilities of the CMD include, but are not limited to the following:
Designs treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation utilizing the appropriate optimization algorithms, with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. Performs revisions instructed by either the Radiation Oncologist and/or the Medical Physicist, to achieve the most optimal treatment plan for the patient. Identifies and contours normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Demonstrates proficiency with tools used within the treatment planning system and the Record and Verify (R&V) System. Demonstrates proficiency in image registration and image deformation with various imaging data sets, to include CT, MRI, PET, etc. Creates and transfers reference images and localization markers for treatment setup verification and treatment delivery to include DRR's, CBCT's and other IGRT methods, as specified to the R&V system. Assists with patient simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET. Assist with CT or clinical simulation tasks, including but not limited to immobilization, bolus placement, isocenter localization, while anticipating possible clinical limitations at the treatment unit and advising the simulation therapist as such. Assists with the fabrication of beam modifying devices. Communicates with the radiation therapist(s) in the implementation of the treatment plan. Follows and updates dosimetric flow sheets within the Record and Verify system (R&V), checklists, and other relevant documentation processes, per section SOPs. Performs calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, documents all pertinent information in the patient record and verifies the accuracy of all calculations per section SOPs. Enters patient dosimetry data, (Site Setup, Treatment Calendar, DRR's, Dosimetry flow sheets?etc.) into the Record and Verify System based on section SOPs. Treatment plans should meet the Radiation Oncologist prescription, dose constraints, conformality and homogeneity indices and other parameters per section SOPs. If plan objectives and section SOP's criteria cannot be met by the planning dosimetrist, then the most current trial must be saved, and the planning dosimetrist must consult a fellow CMD or Medical physicist for assistance. Prior to requesting preliminary plan check, Do not Use (DNU) trial must be saved by CMD. Treatment plans must be completed in a timely manner per section SOPs. If plans cannot be generated in a timely manner, the planning CMD must seek assistance from a fellow CMD. The rotating dosimetrist shall perform initial plan review as a function of plan transfer to the R&V system; verify accurate transcription of beam geometry for each treatment field and ensuring all relevant plan documentation has been correctly uploaded into R&V system. Alerts the Medical Physicists to any treatment planning anomaly. Maintains records and files of plans run on patients. This includes the maintenance of back-up files and editing of patient plans in the radiation treatment planning system. Performance of or assistance with the application of specific methods of radiation measurement including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) or film measurement as directed by the Medical Physicists. Assisting Medical Physicists with performing and analyzing individual patient-specific QA. Working in conjunction with Medical Physicists to assist with Onboard Imager (OBI) and Multileaf Collimator (MLC) QA and other routine machine QA. The CMD is required to teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists, radiation oncology residents and other staff as applicable. The CMD will participate in clinical research, which includes clinical trials. The CMD will confer with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist to determine the requirements/parameters for planning of patients enrolled in clinical studies. Attends department meetings, morning huddles, chart rounds and other meetings as called by either the Chief Radiation Oncologist and/or the Chief Medical Physicist. Notifies the Chief Physicist or Physicist designee, of any environmental and/or equipment issues, and maintains adequate dosimetry supplies relevant to dosimetry equipment. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 9:
00am-5:
30pm or 9:
30am-6:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. Certification (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T). (2) Certification in Medical Dosimetry is required for assignments at the GS-12 grade level. 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. Preferred
Experience:
Certificate in Medical Dosimetry Experience with Mosaiq, Aria, Eclipse TPS, Pinnacle TPS Experience with performing Patient Specific QA and Machine QA Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
Certification. For employees in a dosimetrist position at this level, certification in medical dosimetry (CMD) is required. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. TRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments. Staff TRT (Dosimetrist). 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). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs are defined in the assignments which follow. a. Ability to perform quality assurance procedures for brachytherapy procedures and oversee brachytherapy planning; b. Ability to develop and update policy and procedures for the dosimetry area with the oversight of the medical physicist; c. 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; d. 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; and e. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G26 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. 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.
Designs treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation utilizing the appropriate optimization algorithms, with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Radiation Oncologist's prescription. Performs revisions instructed by either the Radiation Oncologist and/or the Medical Physicist, to achieve the most optimal treatment plan for the patient. Identifies and contours normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Demonstrates proficiency with tools used within the treatment planning system and the Record and Verify (R&V) System. Demonstrates proficiency in image registration and image deformation with various imaging data sets, to include CT, MRI, PET, etc. Creates and transfers reference images and localization markers for treatment setup verification and treatment delivery to include DRR's, CBCT's and other IGRT methods, as specified to the R&V system. Assists with patient simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET. Assist with CT or clinical simulation tasks, including but not limited to immobilization, bolus placement, isocenter localization, while anticipating possible clinical limitations at the treatment unit and advising the simulation therapist as such. Assists with the fabrication of beam modifying devices. Communicates with the radiation therapist(s) in the implementation of the treatment plan. Follows and updates dosimetric flow sheets within the Record and Verify system (R&V), checklists, and other relevant documentation processes, per section SOPs. Performs calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, documents all pertinent information in the patient record and verifies the accuracy of all calculations per section SOPs. Enters patient dosimetry data, (Site Setup, Treatment Calendar, DRR's, Dosimetry flow sheets?etc.) into the Record and Verify System based on section SOPs. Treatment plans should meet the Radiation Oncologist prescription, dose constraints, conformality and homogeneity indices and other parameters per section SOPs. If plan objectives and section SOP's criteria cannot be met by the planning dosimetrist, then the most current trial must be saved, and the planning dosimetrist must consult a fellow CMD or Medical physicist for assistance. Prior to requesting preliminary plan check, Do not Use (DNU) trial must be saved by CMD. Treatment plans must be completed in a timely manner per section SOPs. If plans cannot be generated in a timely manner, the planning CMD must seek assistance from a fellow CMD. The rotating dosimetrist shall perform initial plan review as a function of plan transfer to the R&V system; verify accurate transcription of beam geometry for each treatment field and ensuring all relevant plan documentation has been correctly uploaded into R&V system. Alerts the Medical Physicists to any treatment planning anomaly. Maintains records and files of plans run on patients. This includes the maintenance of back-up files and editing of patient plans in the radiation treatment planning system. Performance of or assistance with the application of specific methods of radiation measurement including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) or film measurement as directed by the Medical Physicists. Assisting Medical Physicists with performing and analyzing individual patient-specific QA. Working in conjunction with Medical Physicists to assist with Onboard Imager (OBI) and Multileaf Collimator (MLC) QA and other routine machine QA. The CMD is required to teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists, radiation oncology residents and other staff as applicable. The CMD will participate in clinical research, which includes clinical trials. The CMD will confer with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist to determine the requirements/parameters for planning of patients enrolled in clinical studies. Attends department meetings, morning huddles, chart rounds and other meetings as called by either the Chief Radiation Oncologist and/or the Chief Medical Physicist. Notifies the Chief Physicist or Physicist designee, of any environmental and/or equipment issues, and maintains adequate dosimetry supplies relevant to dosimetry equipment. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 9:
00am-5:
30pm or 9:
30am-6:
00pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. Certification (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T). (2) Certification in Medical Dosimetry is required for assignments at the GS-12 grade level. 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. Preferred
Experience:
Certificate in Medical Dosimetry Experience with Mosaiq, Aria, Eclipse TPS, Pinnacle TPS Experience with performing Patient Specific QA and Machine QA Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk ( ):
Certification. For employees in a dosimetrist position at this level, certification in medical dosimetry (CMD) is required. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. TRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments. Staff TRT (Dosimetrist). 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). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs are defined in the assignments which follow. a. Ability to perform quality assurance procedures for brachytherapy procedures and oversee brachytherapy planning; b. Ability to develop and update policy and procedures for the dosimetry area with the oversight of the medical physicist; c. 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; d. 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; and e. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G26 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. 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:
$88,214 to $114,683 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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