CT Tech

Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)

The Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech) performs high-quality diagnostic CT examinations for patients across varying levels of acuity. The CT Tech is responsible for proper patient positioning, selecting appropriate imaging protocols, administering contrast when indicated, maintaining radiation safety standards, and producing diagnostic-quality images for physician interpretation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and advanced CT examinations according to physician orders and established imaging protocols.
• Perform CT imaging for inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, and trauma patients.
• Verify patient identity, physician orders, clinical history, allergies, and appropriate screening requirements before examinations.
• Position patients accurately and select appropriate scanning parameters to obtain diagnostic-quality images.
• Perform contrast-enhanced and non-contrast CT examinations.
• Establish or assess IV access and administer IV contrast according to facility protocols and scope of practice.
• Monitor patients for contrast reactions and respond appropriately to adverse events.
• Perform CT angiography (CTA) examinations when required.
• Perform trauma and emergency CT examinations efficiently while maintaining image quality and patient safety.
• Utilize radiation dose-reduction techniques and follow ALARA principles.
• Recognize imaging artifacts and make appropriate technical adjustments to improve image quality.
• Perform post-processing, multiplanar reconstructions, and other advanced imaging techniques as required.
• Review completed studies for technical quality before releasing images for physician interpretation.
• Communicate effectively with radiologists, nurses, emergency department staff, physicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate documentation within the electronic medical record, PACS, and radiology information systems.
• Maintain CT equipment and report equipment or safety concerns appropriately.
• Follow infection-prevention, patient-identification, radiation-safety, and contrast-administration standards.
• Assist with maintaining efficient patient throughput in a fast-paced imaging department.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology program.
• Current ARRT (R) certification and registration.
• ARRT (CT) certification preferred or required based on facility requirements.
• Current BLS certification.
• Strong experience performing routine and contrast-enhanced CT examinations.
• Experience with IV contrast administration and recognition of contrast reactions.
• Knowledge of radiation safety and dose-reduction practices.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize examinations based on patient acuity.
• Strong communication, critical-thinking, organization, and time-management skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Recent acute-care hospital CT experience.
• Emergency department and trauma CT experience.
• CT angiography (CTA) experience.
• Experience with stroke and trauma protocols.
• Experience performing portable or procedural CT examinations when applicable.
• Experience with advanced post-processing and 3D reconstruction.
• Experience working with high-acuity and critically ill patients.
• Familiarity with PACS, RIS, and electronic medical record systems.

The ideal CT Tech is an experienced technologist who can independently manage a busy CT workload while maintaining excellent image quality and patient safety. The technologist should be comfortable with emergency and trauma imaging, contrast administration, CTA examinations, and working with patients ranging from routine outpatients to critically ill emergency and ICU patients.