Mammography Technologist

American Addiction Centers • Tinley Park, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mammography Technologist is responsible for understanding the operation, technique factors, and function of the mammographic systems in the department. This role involves operating all mammographic equipment, selecting and modifying technical factors, and ensuring equipment is set for optimal image quality with the lowest possible dose. The technologist performs daily equipment checks, identifies and reports physical hazards or malfunctions, and engages in problem-solving related to equipment issues, patient positioning, and limitations. They must operate equipment professionally, with attention to patient dose and image quality, demonstrated by adequate collimation/shielding and a low repeat rate. The role also includes preparing and positioning patients, controlling their welfare and care, and ensuring the use of radiation protection devices. The technologist checks films with radiologists as needed and consistently produces high-quality mammography. Additional duties include performing procedure setup, patient care, maintaining cleanliness, obtaining accurate patient history, billing exams, and supporting emergency care. This position also involves associated transport/clerical duties and performing Mammography Department clerical duties.

Requirements

• Completion ARRT approved Radiologic Technology Program
• ARRT Registered or registry eligible
• Must be able to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging
• Must be licensed by State to perform mammographic procedures
• Must complete a program of formal training
• Must have 5 years experience performing radiologic procedures with a minimum of 1 year performing screening mammograms
• Proof of specialized training in positioning, compression, technical factors, 1 hr. A & P, 1 hr. mammo equipment and technique, 1 hr. film evaluation, 1 hr. special mammography procedures.
• Or have license in Mammography ARRT
• Must complete this training every 24 months
• Must be knowledgeable in all areas skills orientation
• ARRT Registry within one year of employment
• CPR Certification
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates all mammographic equipment and can select and modify technical factors as needed.
• Sets equipment for every exam in fashion to optimize image quality with the lowest possible dose.
• Checks all equipment on a daily basis, inspects for physical hazards in mammographic rooms, darkroom areas, and reports to the coordinator any malfunctions or hazards.
• Must be able to do job-related problem solving such as malfunction of equipment, alternate patient positioning and views, realizing equipment or patient limitations.
• Operates all equipment in a consistent and professional manner, with appropriate respect for patient dose and image quality (demonstrated by adequate collimation/shielding and low repeat rate).
• Is familiar with and understands the common projections in a routine mammographic examination.
• Must be skilled in the selection and adjustment of technical controls and factors governing the filming of patients, or the operation of equipment.
• Must have experienced background in the use and operation of mammographic equipment.
• Must have knowledge in the principles of physics, anatomy, medical terminology, and radiation protection as set forth by the State and physicist.
• Controls the positioning and transferring of patients undergoing mammographic examinations, and supervises their welfare and care, as well as the use of radiation protection devices and/or immobilization devices on all patients under our care and supervision.
• Required to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State and physicist regarding radiation protection.
• Prepares/positions patient for exam; collimate/shield as advisable.
• Must be skilled in the use, handling, and care of equipment, cassettes, film and other supplies.
• Provides protection to patients in accordance with prescribed radiation safety standards.
• Able to perform specialized techniques using magnification and compression equipment when such views are necessary.
• Checks films with the radiologists as needed.
• Consistently produces high-quality mammography.
• Able to perform specific tasks as documented in skills task list.
• Can perform start up and shut down of processor, i.e., water adjustment, remove and clean crossovers.
• Can identify artifacts on film; knows method needed to correct problem.
• Performs procedure setup/support/clean-up/patient care functions to permit the smooth performance of all radiographic studies.
• Adheres to patient schedule on a timely basis.
• Brings patient to dressing room, and gives instruction.
• Must be able to explain, instruct, and communicate the nature of the mammographic procedure to patients to ensure proper cooperation.
• Provides for patient comfort by: familiarizing patient with equipment, familiarizing patient with procedure aspect of exam, responding to patient’s questions accurately and gently, using a gentle tone of voice when communicating, providing support to the anxious and fearful patient, maintaining patient modesty during the exam, maintaining the patient’s confidentiality by speaking with patient in private exam room.
• Maintains order and cleanliness within the Mammography suites; is responsible for the condition of mammography rooms after use and that adequate supplies are available; replaces deficiency of supplies by ordering from storeroom, outside vendors, ACS; checks to be sure that imaging and supplies are present prior to bringing patient to procedure area.
• Obtains consent indicating that patient is not pregnant as needed.
• Documents the status of previous films and advises the patient of the benefits and necessity of obtaining previous films.
• Performs and has radiologist approve preliminary films, if needed for specialized exams.
• Provides reassurance/supportive care of patient pre-, intra-, post-procedure care for processing films.
• Can perform skin calcification views when directed by radiologist.
• Can perform post-mastectomy views when directed by radiologist.
• Obtains accurate patient history.
• Marks lump, moles, other skin lesions with B.B. and then labels drawing correctly.
• Able to identify need for additional views if history warrants.
• Instructs patient in American Cancer Society Guideline for screening mammography.
• Able to communicate accurate information about the American College of Radiology Accreditation Program, and FDA Certification.
• Able to call back patients for additional views in a professional, accurate, courteous manner when requested by radiologist.
• Correctly labels film with technical factors to evaluate dose.
• Bills all patient exams by means of DMI system, downtime requisitions; enters data in department software to help track room utilization and staffing needs.
• Bills patient appropriately.
• Supports emergency care of department patients.
• Maintains CPR Certification on an annual basis.
• Assists in “Code Blue” and “First Aid” procedures during medical emergencies and department procedures in the care of acutely ill patients.
• Performs associated transport/clerical duties as needed.
• Must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the day to day operation and organization of the department of Radiology to include department policy and practices, scheduling, reception, darkroom, and film library areas.
• Processes films as needed, and checks for proper functioning of processors and need for chemical replenishment.
• Assists patient from procedure area by prescribed means.
• May be required to assist in the Film Library, including using copy machine.
• Performs Mammography Department clerical duties: Update patient history, Pull previous mammograms and sort into separate envelopes by exam date, Place current year sticker on main file, Update front of main file and mammography jacket with correct label, Order supplies from storeroom, Notify centralized scheduling of changing personnel schedule via phone and written statement.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs
• medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees