Radiology Technologist (Bone Density)

Radiologic Technologist

Under the direction of the Department Manager, performs interpretive, patient care and technical functions to insure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Compensation Pay Range: $38.10 - $55.10

Essential Functions

• Patient Care
• Confirm patient's identity.
• Evaluate patient's ability to understand and comply with requirements for the requested examination.
• Explain and confirm patient's preparation (e.g., diet restrictions, preparatory medications) prior to radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations.
• Examine radiographic requisition to verify accuracy and completeness of information (e.g., patient history, clinical diagnosis).
• Sequence imaging procedures to avoid residual contrast material affecting future exams.
• Responsible for medical equipment attached to patients (e.g., IV's, oxygen) during the radiographic procedures.
• Provide for patient safety, comfort, and modesty.
• Communicate scheduling delays to waiting patients.
• Verify or obtain patient consent as necessary (e.g., contrast studies).
• Explain procedure instructions to patient or patient's family.
• Radiation Protection
• Clean, disinfect or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for next examination.
• Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding.
• Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patient.
• Question female patient of child-bearing age about possible pregnancy and take appropriate action (i.e., document response, contact physician).
• Restrict beam to limit exposure area, improve image quality, and reduce radiation dose.
• Set kVp, mA and time or automatic exposure system to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and minimum radiation dose.
• Prevent all unnecessary persons from remaining in area during x-ray exposure.
• Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupation radiation exposure.
• Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty.
• Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports to determine if values for the reporting period are within established limits.
• Equipment Operation
• Prepare and operate radiographic unit and accessories.
• Prepare and operate fluoroscopy unit and accessories.
• Prepare and operate digital imaging devices.
• Image Production
• Remove all radiopaque materials from patient or table that could interfere with the radiographic image.
• Select equipment and accessories (e.g., grid, compensating filters, shielding for the examination requested.
• Use radiopaque markers to indicate anatomical side, position or other relevant information (e.g., time, upright, decubitis, post-void).
• Explain breathing instructions prior to making the exposure.
• Position patient to demonstrate the desired anatomy using body landmarks.
• Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts.
• Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as involuntary motion, casts and splints, pathological conditions, or patient's inability to cooperate.
• Process exposed image.
• Reload cassettes and magazines by selecting film of proper size and type.
• Prepare digital/computed image receptor for exposure.
• Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiograph.
• Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.
• Determine corrective measures if radiograph is not of diagnostic quality and take appropriate action.
• Store and handle film/cassette in a manner which will reduce the possibility of artifact production.
• Recognize and report malfunctions in the radiographic or fluoroscopic unit and accessories.
• Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories.
• Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done.
• Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.
• Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.
• Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by nurse manager and peers.
• Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.
• Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.
• Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.
• Adheres to universal precautions.
• Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.
• Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education - Preferred: Graduate of an approved two-year program.

Minimum Work Experience: Six (6) months to be fully proficient.

Required Licenses / Registrations:

• RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) or RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license) at time of hire
• RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) within one year of hire
• ARRT Radiography Registration (ARRT-R) or international equivalent within one year of hire

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities: Employees must produce their CEU records to their manager prior to start date and on an ongoing basis thereafter. Technologists in this position are responsible to maintain CEU activity on-site for a period of two years longer than the technologist's last licensure renewal date