Mammography Technologist - Casual

Independence Health System Careers•Clarion, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mammography Technologist operates radiologic equipment to produce radiographs of breast tissue for diagnostic purposes as directed by the radiologist. This role involves collecting pertinent patient data, verifying physician orders, ensuring proper screening protocols are followed, and providing clear explanations to patients about the procedure, including radiation dosage and the need for compression. The technologist analyzes patient information to determine optimal imaging parameters, assesses patient preparation, and applies radiation protective shielding. They obtain high-quality images, document findings (like lump locations), and perform invasive procedures as directed. Image evaluation for quality, positioning, and technique is crucial, as is determining the need for additional images. The role requires performing a minimum number of mammography examinations for MQSA regulations, documenting patient care and history accurately in the HIS/RIS, and verifying orders. Processing images through the CAD system, completing MRS documentation, and medication reconciliation are also key responsibilities. The technologist facilitates communication with other departments for timely procedures, works with scheduling to manage patient appointments, and maintains equipment in optimal condition, performing required quality control checks. They ensure adequate supplies, report equipment malfunctions, and implement downtime procedures when necessary, coordinating rescheduling. Attendance at department meetings and community promotion of breast health through health fairs are also part of the role. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Completion of a (JRCERT) accredited Radiologic Technology Program recognized by ARRT.
Medical Terminology.
Current Registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
Completion of advanced level examination in Mammography (RTM) within 18 months of hire or transfer.

Nice To Haves

Six (6) to twelve (12) months on the job experience to enhance knowledge of procedures and techniques.

Responsibilities

Operates radiologic equipment to produce radiographs of breast tissue for diagnostic purposes.
Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure.
Reconfirms patient identification and verifies physician's order.
Assures proper screening protocol is completed.
Verifies patient's pregnancy status when appropriate.
Provides information to the patient about the procedure, including radiation dosage and the need for compression.
Verifies patient consent and answers patient questions.
Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate level.
Informs patient of how and when she/he and her/his physician will receive a radiologist report.
Analyzes information to determine optimal imaging parameters per diagnosis.
Determines if the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure.
Assesses factors that may contraindicate procedures.
Applies and adjusts radiation protective shielding.
Obtains optimum images during examination/procedure.
Documents the location of breast lumps, scars, or moles using radiopaque markers and/or diagrams.
Obtains images by applying the maximum amount of tolerable compression to the patient's breast.
Performs invasive procedures as directed by the radiologist.
Evaluates the mammographic image for positioning, technique, artifacts, and compression.
Determines the prescribed or suitable anatomical position to image the proper anatomical portion of the breast.
Determines the need for repeat or additional images; obtains additional images as needed.
Performs at least the minimum number of mammography examinations for MQSA regulations.
Documents information about patient care, exams, and patient history in the appropriate record.
Verifies correct order is entered into HIS/RIS.
Documents appropriate patient history.
Documents any exceptions to the established guidelines.
Processes images through CAD system.
Verifies information in MRS and completes appropriate MRS documentation.
Completes medication reconciliation documentation per department policy.
Facilitates correspondence with all departments to assure procedures are done in a timely manner.
Works with centralized scheduling and nursing units to schedule customers.
Determines priority or sequence of scheduling to assure satisfactory unit function and workflow.
Maintains equipment and workstation in optimum condition.
Performs daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly QC on equipment as required by MQSA standards.
Assures adequate patient care and office supplies are maintained.
Reports equipment malfunction to service provider and manager.
Implements downtime procedures when necessary.
Coordinates rescheduling of patients during equipment downtime.
Initiates established downtime procedures during HIS/RIS downtime.
Attends department meetings or reviews meeting minutes.
Promotes breast health in the community through participation in health fairs or other events.
Performs other duties as assigned.