Job Description
Job Purpose
- The Therapeutic Radiographer is responsible for the accurate delivery of radiation therapy to patients with cancer and blood disorders.
- The role includes positioning patients for treatment, ensuring precise radiation dose delivery, maintaining patient safety, and contributing to optimal patient outcomes through high-quality care and treatment delivery in collaboration with a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Core Responsibilities
Treatment Delivery and Patient Care:
- Administer radiation therapy treatments using advanced equipment, such as linear accelerators, in line with oncological protocols.
- Position patients accurately for treatment and ensure the correct use of immobilization devices to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
- Monitor patients during therapy, managing any concerns or adverse reactions and ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the treatment process.
- Record and document treatment information, ensuring accuracy in treatment parameters and patient details for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Quality Assurance and Equipment Maintenance:
- Conduct regular quality assurance (QA) checks on radiation therapy equipment, ensuring machines are calibrated, functional, and provide accurate dose delivery.
- Collaborate with medical physicists to verify that treatment plans and radiation doses are delivered accurately and in compliance with safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with radiation safety protocols, managing radiation dose and exposure during treatment and minimizing risks to patients and staff.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, to discuss patient treatment plans and progress.
- Communicate clearly with patients and their families, explaining treatment procedures, potential side effects, and answering any questions regarding their care and the treatment process.
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families, addressing concerns related to the treatment journey.
Patient Education:
- Educate patients about the radiation therapy process, helping them understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
- Guide patients in managing potential side effects, explaining self-care techniques, and providing post-treatment instructions to support recovery.
Radiation Safety:
- Ensure adherence to radiation protection protocols, including correct shielding, patient positioning, and monitoring radiation exposure to guarantee patient and staff safety.
- Participate in radiation safety training programs and contribute to the development and enforcement of departmental radiation safety policies.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Radiography or a related field, with a focus on therapeutic radiography.
- Advanced certifications or additional training in oncology radiography or radiation therapy are preferred.
Professional Requirements:
- Registered Radiographer with a professional certification (e.g., Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria).
- Certification in radiation therapy and safety protocols is an added advantage
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in therapeutic radiography or oncology radiotherapy with 2 years minimum of brachytherapy experience.
- Experience in operating radiation therapy equipment (such as linear accelerators) and following oncology-specific treatment protocols is required.
- Knowledge of oncology treatment protocols, patient management, and radiation safety in a therapeutic context is essential.
Competency Requirements:
Knowledge Requirements:
- Strong understanding of radiation therapy techniques and oncological treatment protocols.
- Knowledge of radiation safety protocols and radiation protection practices.
- Familiarity with quality assurance procedures for radiation therapy equipment.
Skill Requirements:
- Patient care skills, including the ability to manage the emotional and physical needs of cancer patients during treatment.
- Communication skills to effectively explain treatment processes and address patient concerns.
- Attention to detail in ensuring the precision of treatment delivery and radiation dosimetry.
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Abilities:
- Professional attitude toward work
- Shares AMCE’s vision
- Adaptability.
- Proactive and organized.
- Commitment to improving quality of patient care.
- Personal and professional credibility
- Supportive, approachable, and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
- Honesty and integrity
- Physical stamina for standing and manual labor