Physician Assistant

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 135,000-175,000

Position Summary

The Diagnostic Radiology Physician Assistant (PA) supports the delivery of high-quality outpatient diagnostic imaging services across the Columbia Doctors - New York Presbyterian Imaging (CDNYPI). The PA plays a critical clinical and operational role by facilitating appropriate imaging utilization, administering and monitoring contrast studies, protocoling diagnostic examinations, placing radiology orders, and ensuring timely communication and follow-up of imaging findings, including incidental findings. The incumbent functions exclusively in outpatient radiology settings and works collaboratively with diagnostic radiologists, technologists, nursing staff, referring providers, and administrative teams to enhance patient safety, imaging quality, access, and care coordination across the regional outpatient network.

Responsibilities

• Assists Diagnostic Radiologists in the clinical management of patients undergoing outpatient diagnostic imaging studies, including advanced CT and MRI examinations.
• Performs patient assessments including review of clinical history, imaging indications, contraindications, and relevant laboratory data as appropriate for outpatient imaging.
• Protocols outpatient diagnostic imaging studies (CT, MRI, radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine as applicable) to ensure appropriate modality selection, contrast use, and imaging parameters.
• Reviews imaging requests for clinical appropriateness and collaborates with referring providers to optimize exam selection and scheduling.
• Manages outpatient radiology orders in the electronic medical record in accordance with institutional policies and New York State law.
• Administers contrast media (including intravenous, oral, rectal and intracavitary) and monitors patients for adverse reactions in the outpatient setting; initiates appropriate response to contrast reactions per departmental policy.
• Supports outpatient coronary and cardiac CT imaging, including patient preparation, physiologic monitoring, and medication administration per established protocols.
• Assesses patient vital signs, heart rate, blood pressure, and contraindications prior to coronary/cardiac CT studies.
• Administers medications such as beta blockers and nitroglycerin in accordance with departmental protocols and institutional policy to optimize image quality and patient safety.
• Monitors patients during and after cardiac CT imaging for medication effects or adverse reactions and escalates care appropriately when indicated.
• Ensures adherence to radiation safety standards, contrast safety protocols, and outpatient clinical workflows.
• Identifies and tracks incidental and actionable imaging findings, ensuring appropriate documentation, communication, and follow-up in collaboration with interpreting radiologists.
• Communicates imaging recommendations and follow-up needs to referring providers and outpatient care teams in a timely and professional manner.
• Assists with coordination of downstream outpatient imaging, consultations, or referrals related to diagnostic imaging findings.
• Reviews outside imaging studies uploaded for outpatient interpretation to ensure completeness prior to radiologist review.
• Documents all clinical encounters, orders, communications, and follow-up actions accurately and in a timely manner within the EMR.
• Works collaboratively with supervising radiologists, technologists, nurses, and administrative staff with a focus on patient-centered care, safety, access, and efficiency in the outpatient setting.
• Serves as a clinical resource to outpatient imaging staff regarding exam protocols, contrast administration, and workflow optimization.
• Participates in quality improvement, safety, and access initiatives focused on outpatient imaging throughput, patient experience, and diagnostic accuracy.
• Maintains knowledge of and adherence to institutional, departmental, and regulatory policies related to outpatient radiology practice.
• Promotes continuous professional development, evidence-based practice, and maintenance of certification and CME requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of outpatient diagnostic radiology practice.

Minimum Qualifications

• Physician Assistants: Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited or New York State Education
• PA - 5 years of related experience
• Current NYS PA License

Minimum certification required upon start date:

• NCCPA certification.
• BLS & ACLS required.
• DEA registration

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior clinical experience required.
• Experience in outpatient diagnostic imaging, radiology, or ambulatory care settings preferred.

Other Requirements

• Strong understanding of outpatient diagnostic imaging workflows.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume outpatient environment.

• Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
• Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.