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Jenny Kouri
DOS 752
November 12, 2015
Medical Dosimetry Job Descriptions
Job descriptions outline what a department expects from their employees regarding quality
performance, responsibilities, setting goals, and achieving those goals. [1] The medical
dosimetrist job description provided by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is a description
utilized across the entire United States for all VA Medical Centers. Since this description is
covering a broad range of departments, it is kept simple and generic while covering the basics of
the position. If the Minneapolis site made their own job description, the duties would be more
specific towards the needs of the department. I would add the dosimetrist must be able to
preform 3D-CRT, IMRT, and IGRT planning independently with the physicians prescription,
attends peer review, monitors dose with TLDs, and responsible for teaching students who pass
through for clinical rotations. Our department is just beginning to start their brachytherapy
program for prostates, so that work task deserves a mention in the job description as well. As
more departments rely on CT simulations, I think the statement, Notations on simulation films
for proper block mounting are submitted to mould room within appropriate time frame, needs
updated. The basic requirements portion of the job description is very purposeful and doesnt
need to be department specific. However, I have noticed on job applications that the majority (I
actually think all of them) of them state that you must not be a drug and smoker abuser
(something along those lines). This could also be added to the requirement portion, as that
would apply to all VAs in the Unites States.
A professional development plan (PDP) allows employees or future employees to assess
their traits and qualities in the department in order to improve their work and achievements. [1]
The job description provided by the VA could be used as a PDP. As you read it, you can ask
yourself, Do I preform this skill and how well do I preform this skill? Employers can use this
same format as they evaluate their employees. Our department would definitely benefit more if
the job description were more specific to their own goals, qualities, and work tasks, in the form
of a job description and PDP.

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VA Medical Center Medical Dosimetrist Job Description
Duties:
The certified medical dosimetrist (CMD) utilizes the extensive knowledge and training to
produce acceptable treatment plans following the prescription of the radiation oncologist. The
recognition of critical structural beams of different energy levels, the behavior of numerous
tumors, the tolerances level of radiation in the different regions of the human body, and the
ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of
wedges, boluses, and blocking techniques are critical to this position.
Performance of independent and with minimal oversight in the accomplishment of this position,
which requires high level skills and math and operation of highly complex treatment planning
computers as well as record and verify systems. The incumbent overseas work of dosimetrist
trainee before, during and after treatment plans has been developed. The incumbent enters
irregular fields, patient contours and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in
a timely and accurate manner. Utilizes MLC and record and verify systems to transfer correctly
the treatment methodologies, field orientation, angles, wedges, treatment devices, and any other
critical factor. Accurately computes radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, spine and other
necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety to tissue tolerance.
Drafts one or several isocentric plans, as required with emphasis on quality of dose distribution,
using dosimetric knowledge and often creativity. Submits plan choices to appropriate physician
to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis.
Maintains record of upcoming field changes, assuring readied within prescribed practice and
professional competency and cause no delay in patient treatment. Notations on simulation films
for proper block mounting are submitted to mould room within appropriate time frame.
Accurately prepares treatment charts prior for first treatment, and with all pertinent information
needed notated in such a manner that is readily readable by the therapeutic radiologic
technologist. Works with Radiation Oncologists, Therapists, Department Nurse, and Clerical
staff, as a member of the radiation therapy team to effectively and efficiently accomplished the
goals of the radiation therapy department.
Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

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Basic Requirements:
U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may 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
Regristry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(T)
(2) Certification in Medical Dosimetry is a requirement for this occupation in the GS-12
grade level.
Experience or Education:
Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an
associate 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.
English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in
accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Volunteer work helps build critical
competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that
translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience,
including volunteer experience.

References
1. Lenards, N. Operational Issues in Radiation Oncology: Human Resources. [Softchalk]. La
Crosse, WI: UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program; 2010.