Mammography Technologist - North Country Hospital

Statement of Purpose

Under direction of a Radiologist, technologist performs mammographic procedures within the guidelines of the FDA(MQSA) and ACR. Performs all required quality control procedures.

Technologist must be able to use independent judgment, with ingenuity and initiative to apply prescribed ionizing radiation for radiologic diagnosis.

Essential Functions Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares room, equipment, and supplies as needed for patients. Maintains stock supplies and notifies supervisor to order supplies as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects mammographic room and equipment after each patient.
• Obtains appropriate clinical history information and any previous mammograms. Technologist must complete all information in Mammography tracking system.
• Prepares patient for mammogram by explaining procedure, positioning patient, and assisting patient at end of procedure as needed. Is prepared to serve members of various patient groups from adult to geriatric as illustrated in the
• NCH Standards of Behavior booklet under Delivery of Care section, and by using special equipment or adjusting techniques to satisfactorily produce a diagnostic high-quality image.
• Follows prescribed techniques in administrating mammographic x-rays. (Adjusts equipment; determines proper voltage, current, and desired exposure time; arranges immobilization and support devices to obtain position of patient; adjusts lead shield; and selects proper image size)
• Adheres to prescribed standards for radiation safety by following ALARA. Practices universal precautions and contact/droplet precautions as required.
• Works independently and is able to adjust techniques and positioning to accommodate injured and critically ill patients.
• Sends images to PACs for storage.
• Sends images to Secureview as necessary.
• Evaluates image quality for proper technique, motion, artifacts, and proper position.
• Knowledgeable of special procedures such as implant mammography, Needle Localizations, specimen imaging, and tandem breast procedures including set-up and supplies necessary during exam.
• Observes patient and machine during procedure and reports unusual occurrences and records patient condition as necessary.
• Assists in maintaining mammography technique charts as needed.
• Participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Transports patients to waiting area as needed.
• Participates in departmental Quality Assurance program as directed.
• Educates patients on importance of breast self-exams, clinical exams, and yearly mammograms.
• Maintains competency in all required computer programs and reports issues/problems to Supervisor or PACs Administrator.
• Interpersonal and Professional Behavior:
• Minimizes absences and reports to work in a dependable manner.
• Complies with appropriate hospital and medical imaging service dress code.
• Respects and adheres to hospital policies regarding patient confidentiality both in and out of the hospital setting.
• Conducts self in a professional manner. Demonstrates consideration for patients, coworkers, and all other persons involved in the health care delivery system.
• Establishes and maintains order in the workplace and writes legibly.
• Displays initiative and responsibility for professional growth to achieve high standards of self improvement.
• Acknowledges co-workers as having the rights to cooperative effort and apply that knowledge to promote teamwork.
• Works calmly in emergency or crisis situations and handles pressure of increasing workload.

Working Conditions

Equipment: Imaging equipment specified in this job description.

HIS/RIS, PACS, & Magview computer and related office equipment

Physical Demands: Manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and mobility is required. Ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Occasional prolonged standing, walking, bending and changing from one position to another. Working with difficult or combative patients.

Exposures: May be exposed to infections, contagious diseases and blood borne pathogens.

Odorous and toxic chemicals as well as unpleasant specimens. Working with or around ionizing radiation.

Job Requirements

• Requires successful completion of an A.M.A. approved training program in Radiologic Technology

• Registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Mammography.

• One year’s experience as a Radiologic Technologist preferred.

• One year’s experience as a Mammography Technologist preferred.

• Documentation of 8 hours of Digital Mammography training

• Documentation of 8 hours of 3D/Tomosynthesis training

• Complete a minimum of 100 mammographic procedures per year to meet FDA requirements.

• Complete 15 continuing education credits in mammography every three years to meet

FDA requirements.

• Complete yearly Elsevier requirements

• Vermont state license for Radiography and Mammography

• CPR certification required.

PI239041487