Mammography Tech - Breast Imaging Stony Point

VCU Health•Richmond, VA

9d•$33 - $55

About The Position

The Mammography Technologist performs breast imaging procedures and related radiographic techniques to produce images requested by and interpreted by a licensed independent practitioner. The role combines scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care to obtain diagnostic information, recognizing patient conditions that are important to successful procedures. Technologists must understand breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology; applicable federal mammography regulations; quality assurance policies; and quality-control testing for digital mammography. They maintain accuracy in breast positioning, exposure techniques, and evaluation of imaging parameters while following radiation protection and safety standards. Mammography Technologists serve as a primary liaison among patients, licensed independent practitioners, and support-team members. They address patients’ physical and emotional needs through communication, assessment, monitoring, and care, and participate in quality improvement and ongoing performance assessment. They use independent professional judgment to obtain diagnostic information when possible and seek direction from a qualified interpreting physician or applicable institutional policies or standards of care when needed. They perform screening and diagnostic mammography in accordance with institutional policies, practice standards, and interpreting-physician direction. The role represents VCU Health System’s goals, values, and vision and requires adherence to applicable regulatory standards and health-system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines. Basic service-delivery issues are resolved by the technologist. Lead technologists may coordinate assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift or area, serve as clinical or technical resources, and provide training. The position serves all age-specific groups. Individual shifts and schedules are established with the manager or supervisor and may be adjusted to meet staffing needs. Weekend and after-hours coverage may be required based on workload and staffing needs. Mammography Technologists are considered essential employees and may be required to report to work under VCUHS policy.

Requirements

Registry by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Radiography (ARRT-R) and Mammography (ARRT-M) for hire.
Current ARRT certification in Radiography and Mammography, and Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers), for continued employment.
At least one year of previous work experience as a Breast Imaging Technologist.
Graduation from a JRC-accredited Radiologic Technology program recognized by the ARRT.
Understanding of breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.
Knowledge of federal mammography regulations, quality-assurance policies, and quality-control testing for digital mammography.
Ability to maintain accuracy in breast positioning, exposure techniques, and evaluation of imaging parameters while following radiation protection and safety standards.
Ability to communicate with, assess, monitor, and care for patients, including sensitivity to physical and emotional needs.
Physical ability to lift 20–50 pounds; prolonged standing and sitting, walking, repetitive motion, and prolonged computer interaction are listed physical requirements.
Mental and sensory abilities include strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, clear speech, legible writing, reading, and logical thinking.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, noisy environment, handle multiple priorities and frequent intense customer interactions, and adapt to frequent change.
Availability for assigned shift rotations and schedules, and potentially weekend and after-hours coverage based on staffing and workload needs; may be required to report as an essential employee under VCUHS policy.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of previous work experience as a Breast Imaging Technologist.
Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology or a closely related field from an accredited program.

Responsibilities

Perform breast imaging procedures and determine radiographic exposure factors.
Perform radiography of pathologic breast specimens.
Provide or assist with physical breast inspection or palpation.
Assist with breast interventional radiographic procedures performed by a licensed independent practitioner.
Apply patient-safety principles throughout radiographic procedures, including when assisting and transporting patients.
Receive, relay, and document verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record.
Corroborate the patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure and ensure the information is documented and available to the licensed independent practitioner.
Verify informed consent.
Assume responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures and prepare patients for procedures.
Apply ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure to the patient, self, and others.
Perform venipuncture and start or maintain intravenous access in accordance with procedural protocols and imaging orders.
Identify, prepare, and/or administer medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.
Evaluate images for technical quality and ensure proper identification is recorded.
Identify and escalate emergencies, managing them until the appropriate practitioner or emergency response team assumes control.
Provide patient education related to imaging procedures.
Educate, mentor, and provide general oversight to students and other learners in the Radiology environment.
Perform ongoing quality-assurance activities and participate in quality improvement and continuous performance assessment.
Use independent professional judgment in performing screening and diagnostic mammography, seeking direction as appropriate.
Adhere to applicable regulatory standards and health-system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines; resolve basic service-delivery issues.
When serving as a lead technologist, coordinate work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift or area; serve as a clinical or technical resource; and provide training.