Job Description
Summary
JOB DESCRIPTION
Specialty Tech is cross trained in multiple modalities floating across various Radiology departments, including General Radiography, CT, Bone Density and the opportunity to cross train in Mammography. Operate stationary and portable X-ray equipment to make radiographs of designated regions of the body. Operate bone densitometer to perform osteoporosis evaluation. Operate CT scanner to perform computed tomography studies of designated portion of the body. Prepare mammography unit and perform QC. Operate mammography unit to perform mammography studies.
Experience
- Minimum of 6 months preferred as a registered technologist in a Radiology Department of a general acute-care hospital
Education
Completion of normal radiologic technology training in an AMA approved school (2 years) is requiredLicenses
ARRT(R) requiredARRT(CT) required within 12 months of hireEssential Functions
General
Responsible for all pertinent information documented properly on the images - name, ID number, ordering provider, date, technologist's initials, technique, position markers in view, etc.Make sure all positive cases are called to the ordering providerResponsible for the care and safety of all patients in any radiologic area. Practice principles of radiation protection. Minimize the radiation exposure to the patient, yourself , co-worker, etc. at all times.Provide for patient modesty, comfort and privacyBe discreet and respect confidentialityPerform exams in a confident and timely fashionBe able to adjust to patients differences such as body habitus, mental or physical disabilities, age, etcInform radiology manager of any problems in the specialty departmentsBring to the attention of the radiologist any special concerns or problems of the patient. Encourage the radiologist to use real-time when needed and / or speak with the patient when neededFollow protocols in dealing with patients with infectious diseases. Practice universal precautions and abide by OSHA regulationsBe able to handle stressful situations in dealing with very difficult patients with mental instability and / or various handicapsMust be able to react quickly to emergency situations such as patient fainting, patient being unsteady, codes, etcWear film badges and name badges while on dutyMust be able to function in very low light levels to perform exams.Mammography
Position and instruct patients for various views of mammography, adjust radiographic equipment to correct settings for each view, produce radiographs of the highest technical quality and assume responsibilities of processing the radiographs. Be responsible for all pertinent information documented properly on the images – name, ID number, ordering provider, date, technologist’s initials, technique, position marker in view, degree of oblique angulation and MAS readout.Perform daily quality control tests. Follow protocol if tests fall out of range. Log quality test resultsPerform daily checks on mammography unit. Perform other mammography QC as required : phantom checks, compression checks, repeat analysis, daily, quarterly and yearly QC as needed, etc. Perform Epic mammography module duties as needed. Assist with MQSA requirements with patient lay letters.Be able to explain all mammography procedures to patients including routine mammography, spot compression views, magnification, wire localizations, stereotactic biopsies, ultrasound of the breast, galactograms, etc. Be knowledgeable in BSE (breast self-examination) to teach and explain the importance to patients and answer questions or concernsMust be knowledgeable in special views and special procedures such as wire localizations, stereotactic and galactograms. Assist the radiologist in special proceduresPractice principles of radiation protection. Minimize the radiation exposure to the patient, yourself, co-workers, etc. at all timesProperly clean detector and compression paddle between patientsKeep mammography room neat, clean and stocked with pamphlets, deodorant packets, explanation and questionnaire sheets, etcMake sure importance of proper compression is explained to the patient in obtaining optimal quality images to detect tiny abnormalities.Have knowledge of breast anatomyDaily watch for any defects on detector or compression paddlesBe capable of scheduling mammograms. Know definitions of screening and diagnostic mammograms. When scheduling mammograms, get all information needed – screening or diagnostic, name and DOB, previous mammogram location and call for films, ordering provider, patient’s telephone number, remind patient not to use powder or deodorant, etcBe responsible for all pertinent information on ordering request and report form : screening or diagnostic, where and when of previous mammograms, diagnosis, technologist signature, number of films, time completed, occurrence of anything out of the ordinary, properly charged on billing slip, etcAssist in preparing for mammography accreditation. Assist with MSQA responsibilitiesBMD
Operate bone densitometer to perform osteoporosis evaluationPerform daily quality control tests on Bone Densitometer unit and document. If unit out of range perform a 2nd test. If values remain out of range do not perform patients. Contact service engineerPerform weight and height measurements on patient prior to exam.Review patient history and document on history sheet. Determine patient has not taken calcium tablet today.Position and instruct patients for various portions of the body to be evaluated by BMD unit for osteoporosis testingAnalyze BMD study and print reports. Be sure study is archived. QC study in PACS prior to ending exam in EpicProperly clean BMD unit between patientsIf patient being held for study document in patient holding logCT
Perform daily QC and warm up of CT unit prior to patient care. Initiate the scanning procedure at the proper anatomical levelChecks prescription / request, provisional diagnosis, hospital chart and patient identificationExplains the procedure to the patient, means of communication during scan and procedure to follow, if emergency arises during scanning procedureAdvises the patient of the possibility and / or necessity of an intravenous contrast injection and the precautions or contra indications involved with such an injection. Informs ER doctor of CT injection prior to injectionPrepares room and equipment according to anatomical area to be scanned, per request and history. Change to appropriate gantry wedges, select kilovoltage and proper detector levelsSelects correct computer program and initiate scan maintaining visual and / or audible communication with the patient during the scanning procedureOperates laser imaging cameras, selecting appropriate picture format and processes these in the C.T. sectionOther Duties
Perform all functions of Radiologic Technologist jobPerform required number of exams as needed for MSQA, accreditations and certificationsObtain proper continuing education requirements as needed for specialty certificationsDemonstrate a willingness to accept non-routine work assignments, as appropriateAbout Us
Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.
The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.