Radiation Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Merced, CA, 95340
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 61.95-83.38 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Radiation Therapist, you will be a central figure in the oncology care team, meticulously delivering prescribed courses of radiation therapy to cancer patients, ensuring accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. You will play a vital role in providing compassionate care, supporting patients through their treatment journeys, and contributing directly to their fight against cancer.
Every day, you will expertly operate linear accelerators and other radiation therapy equipment, accurately positioning patients and carefully administering radiation treatments according to the physician's prescription and treatment plan. You will also provide essential patient education and psychological support, monitor patients for side effects, maintain meticulous treatment records, and perform daily quality assurance checks on equipment, all while strictly adhering to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
To be successful in this role, you will combine a nationally recognized certification/licensure in Radiation Therapy, a profound understanding of radiation physics and oncology as it applies to treatment delivery, and exceptional attention to detail. You will demonstrate strong communication skills, a compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care, and thrive in a dynamic, high-acuity environment dedicated to delivering high-quality, precise cancer treatment.
- Follow department's policies and procedures defining the delivery of patient care services are consistent with hospital goals and resource utilization standards.
- Attend regular staff meetings to review compliance with treatment protocol and initiate changes, revisions, and updates to individual patient care plans, after consultation with the Radiation Oncologist.
- Coordinate, as needed, with Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist, regarding the treatment planning and treatment management of each patient's care regimen.
- Monitor all physician orders related to patient treatments and care to ensure appropriate execution and outcomes.
- Ensures that appropriate level of care is given according to the age of the patient: adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
- Demonstrates understanding of prescriptions for patient treatment and treats accordingly.
10% Sign On Bonus for Qualified External Candidates
Job Requirements
Required
- Demonstrated experience skill in the use of knowledge of radiation therapy equipment, i.e., linear accelerators, simulators, dosimetry and block cutting. and
- Registered Radiation Therapy Technologist: CA, upon hire and
- Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire and
- Registered Technologist Radiography ARRT, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Bone Densitometry, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Computed Tomography, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Cardio Interventional Radiography, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Mammography, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Magnetic Resonance Imaging, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Nuclear Medicine Technology, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Quality Management, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Radiation Therapy, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Vascualr Inteventional Rad, upon hire or
- Registered Technologist Vascular Sonography, upon hire
Preferred
- 3 years supervisory experience in radiation oncology
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to diverse groups and individuals.
- Plan organize and control the work of others.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively.
- Exercise good judgment and tact in providing strong leadership guidance and assistance.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.
Where You'll WorkMercy Medical Center, a Dignity Health member, has been building a rich history of care in our community for more than 100 years. We have grown from a small one-story wooden structure into a major healthcare provider with a new 186-bed main campus, offering the latest in facility design and technology. Mercy also operates Outpatient Centers, a Cancer Center and several rural clinics.
Wherever you work throughout our system, you will find faces of experience with dedication to high quality, personalized care. Joining our 1,300 employees, 230 physicians and many volunteers, you can help carry out our commitment to providing our community with the excellence they have come to associate with Mercy Medical Center.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
In Merced's healthcare settings, radiation therapists strictly follow safety guidelines, including daily equipment quality checks and adherence to physician prescriptions. They monitor patients closely for side effects, ensuring treatments are both effective and safe within California’s regulatory framework.
Catholic Health Initiatives prioritizes candidates holding recognized certifications like the California registered radiation therapy technologist license and CPR certification. Ongoing competency in American Heart Association resuscitation protocols is also mandatory for compliance within their facilities.
Radiation therapists typically progress from technical roles to supervisory positions, especially with experience in treatment planning and team coordination. Developing expertise in radiation physics and patient management can open doors to leadership roles within oncology departments.
Radiation Therapists uniquely focus on executing precise radiation treatments, operating linear accelerators, and managing detailed patient positioning. Unlike oncologists, they provide hands-on delivery of therapy and patient education, ensuring adherence to prescribed courses and safety protocols.
Merced's healthcare sector is growing, with steady demand for radiation therapists due to expanding oncology services. While larger cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco may offer more roles, Merced presents less competition and opportunities in community health centers.
Competition involves candidates with strong certifications and oncology experience. Catholic Health Initiatives values communication skills and supervisory potential, so applicants demonstrating these traits alongside technical proficiency tend to stand out in Merced’s healthcare job market.
Radiation Therapists in Merced usually earn between $75,000 and $90,000 annually, reflecting regional demand and living expenses. This range aligns with California averages but may vary based on experience, certifications, and specific employer compensation packages.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes a team-based approach with strong patient support and adherence to regulatory standards, including mandatory quarterly resuscitation competencies. This fosters a structured environment focused on precision and compassionate care within California’s healthcare landscape.
A degree in radiation therapy or related fields, combined with California state licensure and national certifications like the ARRRT, form the foundation. Additionally, maintaining CPR certification and compliance with local AHA resuscitation standards is crucial for employment.
Yes, therapists can focus on patient demographics including pediatric or geriatric oncology. Specialized knowledge of age-specific care protocols enhances treatment efficacy and is valued in Merced’s diverse medical facilities.