radiation-therapist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — radiation therapist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1224.00 (Radiologists).

Task statements

• [Core] Participate in quality improvement activities including discussions of areas where risk of error is high.
• [Core] Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and develop expertise.
• [Core] Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel.
• [Core] Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
• [Core] Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
• [Core] Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
• [Core] Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
• [Core] Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
• [Core] Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections.
• [Core] Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
• [Core] Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.
• [Core] Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.
• [Core] Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.
• [Core] Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
• [Core] Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
• [Supplemental] Develop treatment plans for radiology patients.
• [Supplemental] Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, or nephrostomy catheter placement.
• [nan] Administer radioisotopes to clinical patients or research subjects.
• [nan] Advise other physicians of the clinical indications, limitations, assessments, or risks of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radioactive materials.
• [nan] Calculate, measure, or prepare radioisotope dosages.
• [nan] Check and approve the quality of diagnostic images before patients are discharged.
• [nan] Compare nuclear medicine procedures with other types of procedures, such as computed tomography, ultrasonography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography.
• [nan] Direct nuclear medicine technologists or technicians regarding desired dosages, techniques, positions, and projections.
• [nan] Establish and enforce radiation protection standards for patients and staff.
• [nan] Formulate plans and procedures for nuclear medicine departments.
• [nan] Monitor handling of radioactive materials to ensure that established procedures are followed.
• [nan] Prescribe radionuclides and dosages to be administered to individual patients.
• [nan] Review procedure requests and patients' medical histories to determine applicability of procedures and radioisotopes to be used.
• [nan] Teach nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, or other specialties at graduate educational level.
• [nan] Test dosage evaluation instruments and survey meters to ensure they are operating properly.

Detailed work activities

• Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
• Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
• Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
• Calculate numerical data for medical activities.
• Check quality of diagnostic images.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
• Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
• Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
• Determine protocols for medical procedures.
• Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
• Develop medical treatment plans.
• Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.
• Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
• Gather medical information from patient histories.
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
• Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
• Manage healthcare operations.
• Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
• Monitor the handling of hazardous materials or medical wastes.
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
• Operate on patients to treat conditions.
• Prepare medications or medical solutions.
• Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
• Prescribe medications.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Send information, materials or documentation.
• Supervise patient care personnel.
• Train medical providers.
• Verify accuracy of patient information.
• Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.