PET/CT Technologist

Palomar Health Medical Group•Escondido, CA

2d•$44 - $62

About The Position

The PET/CT Technologist performs diagnostic PET/CT examinations using PET/CT scanning equipment to locate, evaluate, and record functional, pathological, and anatomical data. The technologist obtains patient histories, relates clinical history to the examination, communicates with radiologists about findings and concerns, and determines appropriate scanning protocols for each patient's needs and diagnosis. The role includes screening patients for contraindications and reviewing laboratory values for patients receiving radiopharmaceuticals or IV contrast, with abnormal results communicated to radiologists. The technologist prepares, stores, calculates, and administers radiopharmaceutical doses; applies radiation and radioactive-material safety practices; and uses correct antiseptic techniques for intravenous administration. The position requires producing high-quality images, performing image reconstruction and fusion according to protocol or radiologist direction, and maintaining equipment calibration through scheduled quality-control tests. The technologist uses PACS, fusion software, RIS, HIS, radiopharmaceutical tracking software, and other applicable software, and generates image CDs when needed. Additional duties include assisting with the training of new PET/CT Technologists as directed, practicing sterilization and isolation techniques to prevent infection or cross-contamination, communicating effectively with patients and colleagues, explaining procedures using AIDET techniques, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and following applicable regulations, policies, procedures, laws, and standards. The position also carries out Palomar Health Medical Group's mission, vision, and quality commitment.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
Completion of a PET/CT educational program with current licensure.
Minimum of two years of related experience as a PET/CT Technologist in an outpatient Radiology environment.
California PET/CT certification.
American Heart Association-recognized BLS - Heartsaver certification.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of standard office equipment, including a calculator, fax machine, and photocopier.
Personal computer and software skills, including MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, and email.
Windows computer skills, including keyboarding and using a mouse or keys for common functions; these skills are required upon employment or within the first two weeks.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

Perform diagnostic PET/CT examinations and obtain accurate functional, pathological, and anatomical data.
Obtain and review patient history, correlate clinical history with the examination, and communicate findings or concerns to radiologists.
Work with radiologists to select appropriate PET/CT scanning protocols for patients' medical needs, exam indications, and diagnoses.
Screen patients for contraindications to PET/CT scanning.
Perform or obtain and review laboratory values for patients receiving radiopharmaceuticals and IV contrast, and communicate abnormal results to radiologists.
Prepare and maintain radiopharmaceutical supplies safely, calculate doses, and administer PET/CT doses using correct antiseptic techniques.
Apply radiation and radioactive-material safety practices for patients and staff, including safe disposal of radioactive materials.
Obtain the highest-quality images possible, ensuring the area of interest is adequately captured.
Perform image reconstruction and fusion in the projections or planes indicated by protocol or the radiologist.
Maintain equipment calibration by performing quality-control tests according to established procedures and schedules.
Use PACS, fusion software, RIS, HIS, radiopharmaceutical tracking software, and other applicable software; generate image CDs when necessary.
Assist in training new PET/CT Technologists as directed by the Lead Technologist or Site Manager/Director.
Apply sterilization and isolation techniques to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Communicate promptly and positively with co-workers, physicians, patients, and visitors, and explain procedures using AIDET techniques.
Maintain equipment and order supplies when needed.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations and follow organizational rules, policies, procedures, laws, and standards.
Carry out Palomar Health Medical Group's mission, vision, and quality commitment.
Perform other duties as assigned.