Mammography Technologist

At Houston Methodist, the Mammography Technologist I position performs mammograms, biopsies and bone density exams, as applicable. This position performs high quality mammography examinations in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) standards. The Mammography Technologist I position may assist with quality control activities. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

• None

• ARRT-R - Radiologic Technologist - Radiographer (ARRT) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist_PSV and
• ARRT-M - Radiologic Technologist - Mammography (ARRT) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist_PSV within 6 months and
• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV through the Texas Medical Board and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.
• Communicates effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.

• Performs mammograms for both diagnostic and screening purposes; performs biopsies and bone density exams.
• Proactively assesses, identifies and responds to the needs of the patient for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care, image quality and patient experience. This includes: positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications and limitations associated with certain procedures.
• Provides direct assistance to physicians during diagnostic or special procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language.

• Follows safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly. Uses ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) to protect patients, staff and general public, and follows radiation safety standards. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures. Complies with job, department and hospital safety standards, practices and policies. Uses critical thinking skills to review and critique images and make adjustments in order to obtain highest quality images to meet requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations.
• Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly into appropriate hospital patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends. Contributes to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.
• Performs daily imaging equipment quality control (QC) ensuring all imaging equipment is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills to observe and proactively address patient reactions (i.e. contrast media and medications) or potential outcomes and obtains assistance, as appropriate.

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

• Participates in department projects or shared governance activities. Assumes responsibility for growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technologist.

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

• On Call* Yes

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

• None

• ARRT-R - Radiologic Technologist - Radiographer (ARRT) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist_PSV and
• ARRT-M - Radiologic Technologist - Mammography (ARRT) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist_PSV within 6 months and
• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV through the Texas Medical Board and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.