PET/CT Technologist

Palomar Health Medical Group•Escondido, CA

About The Position

The PET/CT Technologist performs diagnostic PET/CT examinations to locate, evaluate, and record functional, pathological, and anatomical data, and communicates findings or concerns to radiologists. The role involves obtaining patient histories, correlating clinical history with examinations, coordinating scanning protocols with radiologists, screening patients for contraindications, and reviewing relevant laboratory values for patients receiving radiopharmaceuticals or IV contrast. The technologist prepares and safely maintains radiopharmaceutical materials, calculates and administers doses, and uses appropriate antiseptic techniques for IV administration. They obtain high-quality images, perform image reconstruction and fusion according to protocol or radiologist direction, and maintain equipment calibration through scheduled quality-control testing. The position also requires radiation-safety practices, infection-prevention techniques, proficiency with applicable imaging and clinical software, and compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. The role includes explaining procedures to patients using AIDET techniques, communicating promptly and positively with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and assisting with training new PET/CT Technologists as directed. The technologist follows Palomar Health Medical Group rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws, and standards, and supports its mission, vision, and quality commitment. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a PET/CT educational program with current licensure.
At least 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 use of a mouse or keys for selecting items, using drop-down menus and scroll bars, opening folders, copying, and similar operations; required upon employment or within the first two weeks.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Perform diagnostic PET/CT examinations and communicate findings or concerns to radiologists as appropriate.
Obtain patient histories and relate clinical history to the examination being performed.
Coordinate with radiologists to establish PET/CT protocols appropriate to patients' medical needs, examination indications, and diagnoses.
Screen patients for contraindications to PET/CT scanning.
Perform and review laboratory values for patients receiving radiopharmaceuticals and IV contrast, and communicate abnormal results to radiologists.
Prepare and safely maintain radiopharmaceutical materials, calculate doses, and administer PET/CT scanning doses using correct antiseptic techniques for IV administration.
Obtain high-quality images that capture the area of interest as completely as possible, and perform image reconstruction and fusion as indicated by protocol or a radiologist.
Maintain equipment calibration by performing quality-control tests according to established procedures and schedules.
Follow radiation-safety techniques when using and disposing of radioactive materials.
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.
Practice sterilization and isolation techniques to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Communicate promptly and positively with coworkers, physicians, patients, and visitors; explain procedures and examinations to patients using AIDET techniques.
Maintain equipment and order supplies when needed.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations.
Follow Palomar Health Medical Group rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws, and standards, and carry out its mission, vision, and quality commitment.
Perform other duties as assigned.