Non-Reg Radiographer Student (Casual)

Independence Health System Careers•Mount Pleasant, PA

About The Position

Performs diagnostic imaging examinations, including X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or nuclear medicine, under the direct supervision of a registered imaging technologist. The student gathers and verifies patient and procedure information, assesses preparation and potential contraindications, explains procedures, obtains consent when required, and selects appropriate imaging parameters and patient positioning. When applicable, the role includes administering contrast agents according to established guidelines and monitoring patients for adverse reactions. The position obtains and optimizes diagnostic images, adjusts radiographic equipment, uses computed radiography equipment, sends images to PACS, and archives images as needed. It documents patient history, care, exam details, and exceptions in the appropriate systems and completes required forms. The student coordinates with scheduling, nursing units, the emergency department, and other imaging departments to support timely patient care, including STAT and ASAP orders. Duties also include equipment quality control and maintenance, maintaining supplies, and implementing downtime and rescheduling procedures. The incumbent attends department meetings or reviews minutes and performs other duties as assigned. Scheduling is based on operational needs and may include rotating shifts, standby, and on-call work. Local travel between system locations may be expected. The work environment may require goggles, a face shield, and a mask according to CDC guidelines. If lifting requirements exceed 50 pounds, two-person assistance and/or a transfer device is required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Must be enrolled in an accredited Diagnostic Imaging program (Radiology, Ultrasound, MRI, or Nuclear Medicine) and have completed one year of the program.
Must pass the ARRT certification exam for Radiologic Technologist within one year of completing an accredited Diagnostic Imaging program.
Must be approved through competency before performing a procedure.
Strong leadership, organizational, independent and critical-thinking skills, and sound judgment.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Strong time-management and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work across inpatient, skilled nursing, and outpatient clinic settings and transition between treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
Independent thinking and decision-making ability.
Proficient oral and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
Act 33 clearance with renewal, Act 34 clearance with renewal, and Act 73 FBI clearance.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum.

Responsibilities

Collect pertinent patient and procedure data; reconfirm patient identification and verify the physician's order.
Review the patient chart and order to determine the optimal imaging procedure for the suspected pathology.
Verify pregnancy status when appropriate; explain the procedure, provide instructions, and verify consent.
Assess patient preparation and potential contraindications, including medications or insufficient preparation.
Select appropriate shielding and immobilization devices and determine imaging parameters appropriate to the diagnosis.
Administer contrast agents according to guidelines when applicable; obtain written consent for IV contrast, review lab values, determine contrast type and dose, and monitor for adverse reactions.
Complete required forms and obtain optimum images during examinations or procedures.
Set and adjust radiographic equipment, position patients according to protocols, and use computed radiography equipment to maximize image quality.
Send images to PACS for radiologist interpretation and archive images to CDs as needed.
Document patient care, examination details, patient history, and exceptions in the appropriate records and systems; scan appropriate documents into PACS.
Coordinate with Centralized Scheduling, nursing units, the emergency department, and other imaging departments to facilitate timely procedures and accommodate STAT or ASAP orders.
Maintain equipment and the workstation, perform daily quality control on radiographic equipment, and ensure adequate patient-care and office supplies.
Implement downtime procedures for equipment and HIS/RIS or PACS outages, including coordinating patient rescheduling.
Attend monthly department meetings or review meeting minutes.
Perform other duties as assigned.