Chief Radiation Therapist

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

The Chief Radiation Therapist will lead and manage the Radiation Therapy team to ensure the highest standards of patient care and treatment delivery. This role involves overseeing daily clinical operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes, and assisting with the department's administrative functions. The Chief Radiation Therapist will also participate in strategic planning, staff development, and the implementation of new technologies and protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and supervise a team of radiation therapists, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Monitor and evaluate the performance of radiation therapists, conducting regular performance reviews and addressing any issues or concerns.

• Coordinate daily operations within the radiation therapy department to ensure efficient workflow and optimal patient care.

• Implement and consistently enforce departmental policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

• Submit work requests as necessary to ensure safety of staff, patients and visitors to the facility.

• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication among staff.

Clinical Operations:

• Oversee the scheduling and delivery of radiation therapy treatments, ensuring accuracy, safety, and timeliness.

• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of radiation therapy equipment, coordinating with medical physicists and service engineers as needed.

• Participate in the planning and implementation of new treatment techniques and technologies.

• Conduct quality assurance checks and audits to maintain high standards of treatment delivery.

Patient Care:

• Ensure compassionate and patient-centered care, addressing patient concerns and providing education about treatment procedures.

• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and the healthcare team to ensure effective communication and care coordination.

• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and accreditation requirements, including those set by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), ACR, the Joint Commission, and other relevant bodies.

• Implement and monitor safety protocols to protect patients and staff from radiation exposure.

• Conduct regular training sessions and drills to ensure staff readiness for emergency situations.

Education and Development:

• Stay current with advancements in radiation therapy techniques and technologies, integrating new knowledge into clinical practice.

• Provide ongoing training and education for radiation therapy staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Participate in departmental and organizational meetings, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of a JCERT accredited Radiation Therapy program.

• Certification and registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiation Therapy.

• Active BLS for Healthcare certification.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a radiation therapist; at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role is preferred.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Strong knowledge of radiation therapy principles, techniques, and equipment. Experience with advanced radiation therapy modalities (e.g., IMRT, VMAT, stereotactic radiosurgery).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry advancements.

• EMR/Excel/Word/Introductory IT skills.

PHYSICIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position may require prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be able to remain in a stationary position less than 1/3 of the time.

• Occasional lifting of heavy objects and assisting patients may be required. Must be willing and able to lift 50 pounds.

• Ability to communicate, distinguish sounds, and visualize. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Regular manual dexterity.

• Exposure to radiation and infectious diseases is possible, and appropriate safety measures must be adhered to at all times.