X Ray Technologist

Job Description

Job Description

Job purpose

Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.

Duties and responsibilities

• Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
• Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient.
• Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
• Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
• Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
• Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
• Coordinate work of other technicians or technologists when procedures require more than one person.
• Collect and maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, patient medical histories, views taken, or technical factors used.
• Assure that sterile or non-sterile supplies such as contrast materials, catheters, films, chemicals, or other required equipment, are present and in working order or requisition materials.
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
• Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
• Provide students or other technicians with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
• Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Provide assistance in radiopharmaceutical administration, monitoring patients' vital signs and notifying the radiologist of any relevant changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Working conditions

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Physical requirements

Must be able to walk, climb, bend and squat as well as be able to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Direct reports

N / A