Primary Function
The Diagnostic Radiologic Imaging Technologist is required to perform invasive and non-invasive procedures on a variety of patients per the needs of the modality/department. The Diagnostic Radiologic Imaging Technologist is required to utilize sterile techniques, if necessary, operate complex imaging equipment and assist physicians as necessary. Continuing education, learned skills and experience will be utilized. This position will function without constant supervision to produce superior quality imaging studies. The Technologist must routinely work as directed by department managers/supervisors to meet the specific needs of the department. Performs duties relating to the primary imaging modality in which they are working.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Provide high-quality, compassionate patient care while performing radiographic and CT procedures as ordered by physicians, with consideration for special patient needs (e.g., trauma, elderly, pregnancy).
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Perform accurate diagnostic imaging by selecting appropriate techniques (voltage, current, exposure time) and positioning patients for optimal image quality, while minimizing radiation exposure (ALARA standards).
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Follow established CT protocols and adjust techniques for pediatric and adult patients as needed.
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Ensure patient safety by obtaining necessary consent forms, reviewing medical history, identifying potential allergies, and following sterile and infection control procedures.
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Assist patients with transport and positioning for procedures; practice proper body mechanics and patient handling techniques.
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Conduct mobile imaging procedures in ER, and in-patient rooms using portable radiographic equipment.
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Wear radiation monitoring badges consistently during exposure-related duties.
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Operate and troubleshoot imaging equipment (e.g., scanners, injectors, monitors); report malfunctions and assist with evaluating new technologies.
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Assist with advanced procedures including angiograms, GI series, IVPs, barium studies, and fluoroscopy; prepare required sterile supplies and contrast materials.
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Perform and support QA activities in compliance with ACR standards across assigned imaging modalities.
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Maintain workflow efficiency by prioritizing cases, minimizing downtime, and ensuring timely exam completion.
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Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, pharmacology (contrast agents), and medical terminology to image acquisition and interpretation.
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Distinguish between imaging artifacts and pathology; recognize equipment limitations.
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Serve as a mentor and resource for new technologists and students, assisting with training and supervision.
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Provide input on departmental improvements, protocols, and new technology implementation.
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Remain flexible with scheduling, including call coverage, weekends, and holidays.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
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A graduate of an accredited Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) program with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in Radiography.
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Registered with the ARRT in Radiography (R).
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Have an unrestricted valid Registered Radiologic Technologist license with the state of NC or a state that is accepted as reciprocity.
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Current Basic Life Support (BLS).
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Valid Driver’s License.
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Maintain continuing education credits sufficient to registry (24 CE’s/2 years).
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RT registered in Computed Tomography (CT) within 2 years of being hired.
Preferred Experience
Job Knowledge
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Organizational Skills: Ability to independently plan, manage, and prioritize tasks under pressure and in stressful situations while meeting deadlines.
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Patient Care: Knowledge of pre-, intra-, and post-procedural care across all age groups, including critical and trauma patients.
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Imaging Expertise: Strong understanding of radiologic principles, techniques, and patient positioning to produce high-quality diagnostic images.
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Radiation Safety: Proficient in radiation protection standards, dose management, and minimizing exposure for both patients and staff.
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Anatomy & Physiology: Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and organ systems to interpret exam requirements and assess image quality.
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Radiologic Equipment: Understanding of x-ray physics, digital detectors, portable imaging equipment, and technical system operation.
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Medical Procedures: Skilled in venipuncture and contrast administration protocols.
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Emergency Response: Trained in basic life support, first aid, and cardiac arrest procedures.
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Compliance: Familiarity with HIPAA, universal precautions, ACR quality standards, and legal/ethical radiology practices.
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Medical Terminology: Proficient in medical language to communicate effectively and support clinical documentation.
Additional Skills and Abilities
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Critical thinking and decision-making in high-pressure or trauma situations.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with diverse populations and teams.
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Ability to troubleshoot imaging equipment and software effectively.
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Accurate and efficient keyboarding and computer navigation skills.
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Adaptable to new technologies and imaging platforms.
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Committed to maintaining a positive, professional environment aligned with CIHA guiding principles and standards.
Complexity of Duties
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to assess and feel area of interest to center patients appropriately for specific imaging; reach with hands and arms to pull, push, and lift patients that are unable to maneuver themselves; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation exposure. The employee is frequently exposed to mechanical equipment stationed in department, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is regularly exposed to patients under a wide variety of circumstances, subject to varying and unpredictable situations; and is regularly exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness); in addition, the employee is frequently subjected to many interruptions and, on occasion, long, irregular hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee occasionally revises non-standard positioning and equipment set up to accommodate patients who are suffering from illnesses, deformities or injuries. The Technologist must constantly evaluate and modify existing knowledge to obtain the best diagnostic image.
Supervision Received
Employee will work under minimal supervision of the Radiology Manager and any requested guidance of the Radiologist. The Radiology manager provides detailed instructions on new procedures and techniques, and advises on technical problems. Work is spot checked for diagnostic value and for methods used in conducting the examinations. Textbooks, technical manuals, research paper/journals and computer sites on Radiology are available for additional guidance. The employee must maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in the fields of Radiology and Computed Tomography to recommend new methods, examinations and guidelines for adoption. Procedures change frequently due to new developments and technology in the field.
Key Competencies under minimum supervision:
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Customer Focus
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Empathetic and compassionate
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Strong work ethic
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Flexible adaptability; willingness to accept change
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Excellent mental, visual, and auditory attention to detail in all situations
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Exceptional communication skills both written and oral
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Commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and use of evidence-based protocols
Responsibility for Accuracy
The purpose of the work is to provide Diagnostic images for diagnosis and treatment to patients. The effect of the employee performance of duties directly correlates to proper diagnosis and or treatment. Clear and accurate studies are essential to enable the physician to evaluate and treat the patient’s condition
Contact with Others
Personal contacts are with patients, patient’s family, and co-workers within the department and in the hospital, Radiologist, Physicians and other professional workers. Personal contacts are for the purpose of performing the radiologic exam ordered by the physicians. Contacts with co-workers are to exchange information to resolve problems with equipment, procedures and rescheduling patients and to coordinate work with other technologists when working on procedures, which may require more than one technologist or a team effort. Contact with patients are to explain the procedure to be performed, patients who are unfamiliar with radiologic examinations and to direct patients on how to move to achieve correct positioning. Some patients are seriously ill, injured or nervous. This may require the incumbent to provide reassurance and comfort. Contacts with professionals outside the department are to demonstrate and explain practical problems and procedures in taking radiographic procedures. Contact with the Radiologist, in addition to receiving instructions, are to coordinate work efforts to resolve problems. Contacts with other health care of related disciplines within the hospital, along with outside providers, for the purpose of sharing images, confirming orders or diagnosis to ensure quality care for our patients.
Internal professional contacts include the department directors, coworkers, governmental agencies, vendors and the public to exchange and/or provide information. Interpersonal skills are required along with tact, decorum, and professional etiquette. Incumbent will consistently demonstrate customer service skills and care to patients and internal/external customers by displaying Right Way behaviors and skills.
Confidential Data
The employee has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action.
Mental/Visual/Physical
There are long periods of standing, walking, bending and carrying of moderately heavy items, such as detectors, lead shields, and lead aprons, positioning weights, stretchers, wheelchairs and patients. Considerable physical effort involved in pushing and positioning of patients who are unable to assist or cooperate and lifting of totally incapacitated patients.
Close attention to detail and mental concentration for extended periods of time are required. This is a multi-tasking position, which is subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses. Must deal with multiple situations concurrently. Must have ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must frequently use creative thinking to complete tasks or solve problems. Physical efforts require mobility, reaching, bending, manual dexterity, and visual acuity.
Environment
The work environment is in a restricted access area. Will be exposed to moveable equipment, chemical fumes, patients with contagious diseases, electrical equipment, ionizing radiation, and contamination or infection through accidental needle puncture or exposure to blood and/or body fluids. Occasional exposures to odor, blood, chemical irritation, and a variety of constant interruption. Area is supplied with personal protective equipment. Area has appropriate light and is temperature controlled. Telephone and computer access are adequate for communications. There may be occasions when overtime is required. Will be necessary to work when administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.
Customer Service
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.
