Radiation Oncology Linear Accelerator Radiographers

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.

Qualifications

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.
• Completion of post-basic training in oncology or hematology

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 experince.
• 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 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 towards 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

Additional Information

African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.