Radiology Technologist

Job Summary:

Operates radiology equipment to produce radiographic images of the body for diagnostic routine purposes. Positions radiologic equipment and adjusts controls to set exposure time and distance according to specification of the examination. Takes x-rays following established radiologic requirements and regulations to ensure patient care and safety.

Job Responsibilities:

• Retrieve radiologic orders from and input related data into electronic medical records.
• Prepare patients for radiologic procedures.
• Escort patients to the dressing and x-ray rooms, provide verbal and/or written instructions, and assist patients in positioning body parts to be radiographed.
• Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
• Position patients on examining tables and adjust positioning devices to obtain optimum views of specified areas of the body as requested by physicians.
• Operate specialized equipment according to protocols under limited physician supervision.
• Provide patient care within a broad range of healthcare needs on a decentralized basis, including emergency rooms, fluoroscopy, portable units, surgery, and various outpatient centers.
• Move radiograph equipment into specified positions and adjust equipment controls to set graphic exposure factors based on knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques and protocols.
• Practice radiation protection techniques using beam restrictive devices, patient shielding skills, and knowledge of applicable exposure factors to minimize radiation to patients and staff.
• Obtain acceptable radiologic images using CR/DR techniques and protocols.
• Ensure operation of radiology equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Report equipment malfunctions to supervisors, managers, or technical support personnel.
• Maintain examination rooms, order, and stock necessary medical and radiologic supplies pursuant to established protocols.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection control policies and protocols; follow drug protocols in case of reactions to drugs, such as contrast media; and administer first aid using the emergency crash cart.
• Support department and hospital goals through personal improvements and educational activities; attend mandatory in-services and meet department education standards; modify behaviors or performance to comply with care standards and meet department requirements; aid in the collection of statistics and present findings in a logical, professional manner for process improvement.
• Maintain professional standards in conjunction with those practice standards recommended by professional societies.
• In an inpatient setting, assist with monitoring the patient's level of moderate sedation in conjunction with procedure performed and individual patient's clinical state.
• Initiate additional patient comfort measures or alternatives for sedation, as appropriate.
• Assure informed consent has been obtained on the patient prior to the start of the procedure and all questions and concerns have been answered to the patient's satisfaction.
• Actively participate in the Universal Protocol for all invasive procedures.
• Be knowledgeable of procedural pauses and perform appropriate patient care in a sterile environment under the guidance of the physician or Radiology Assistant.
• Make independent judgments in planning sequences of operations and making minor decisions in a complex technical or professional field.
• Work directly with patients and/or customers.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and staff.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Zero to six months of related experience.
• Working knowledge of digital radiography (DR) and/or computerized radiography (CR) equipment, techniques, and protocols.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate with co-workers as well as independently.
• Positive attitude, self-motivation, and dependability.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly and easily adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors at all times.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Capable of wearing lead aprons for an extended period of time.

Required Education:

• Completion of an accredited Radiologic Technology Program.

Required Certification & Licensure:

• Registration from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Radiology (ARRT-R).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.