Radiology Technologist

Job Description

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Retrieves radiologic orders from and inputs related data into electronic medical record.
• 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.
• Explains procedures to patient to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
• Positions patient on examining table and adjusts positioning devices to obtain optimum views of specified area of body requested by physician.
• Operates specialized equipment according to protocols under limited physician supervision.
• Moves radiograph equipment into specified position and adjusts equipment controls to set graphic exposure factors, such as time and distance, based on knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques and protocols.
• Practices radiation protection techniques using beam restrictive devises, patient shielding skills, and knowledge of applicable exposure factors to minimize radiation to patient and staff.
• Obtains acceptable radiologic images using CR/DR techniques and protocols.
• Ensures operation of radiology equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunction, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Reports equipment malfunctions to supervisor, manager, or Radiology IS personnel.
• Maintains examination rooms, orders, and stocks necessary medical and radiologic supplies pursuant to established protocols.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection control policies and protocols; following drug protocols in case of reactions to drugs, such as contrast media; and administering first aid using the emergency crash cart.
• Supports department/hospital goals through personal improvements and educational activities; attends mandatory in-services and meets department education standards; modifies behaviors or performance to comply with care standards and meets department requirements; aides in collection of statistics and presents findings in a logical, professional manner for process improvement.
• Maintains professional standards in conjunction with those practice standards recommended by societies such as ARRT and ASRT.

In an inpatient setting:

• Assists with monitoring the patient’s level of moderate sedation in conjunction with procedure performed and individual patient’s clinical state.
• Initiates additional patient comfort measure/alternatives for sedation, as appropriate.
• Assures 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 participates in the Universal Protocol for all invasive procedures.
• Knowledgeable of procedural pauses, performs appropriate patient care in a sterile environment under the guidance of the physician or Radiology Assistant.

Decision Making:

• Independent judgment in planning sequence of operations and making minor decisions in a complex technical or professional field.
• Works directly with patients and/or customers.
• Works with internal and/or external customers via telephone or face to face interaction.
• Works with other healthcare professionals and staff.

Required Education:

• Completion of an accredited Radiologic Technology Program.

Required Certification & Licensure:

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

Required Skills & Experience:

• Zero (0) to six (6) months of related experience.
• Working knowledge of digital radiography (DR) and/or computerized radiography (CR) equipment, techniques, and protocols.
• The ability to demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate with co-workers as well as independently.
• Display a positive attitude, be self-motivated and dependable.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly and easily adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors at all times.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Capable of wearing lead aprons for an extended period of time.