DEXA Technologist (Contingent/Part Time)

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute seeks a DEXA Technologist to perform dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans for bone density and body composition in a fast-paced outpatient/research setting. The role emphasizes accurate imaging, data collection, and patient education onsite in Santa Barbara, CA.

This contingent part-time position requires adherence to radiation safety, HIPAA, and study protocols, with duties spanning clinical care, research coordination, and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate of an accredited radiologic technology program or bone densitometry training.
• Current California licensure, certification, permits, and registrations for radiologic or bone densitometry duties.
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with EMR systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for DEXA examinations by reviewing medical history and addressing questions.
• Obtain and document patient height, weight, demographics and clinical history.
• Position patients for accurate and reproducible scan results.
• Perform bone density and body composition scans per protocols.
• Monitor patients during procedures and respond to needs.
• Operate and maintain DEXA equipment per guidelines.
• Conduct daily quality control and calibration procedures.
• Verify image quality and complete preliminary review for accuracy.
• Document and upload scan results into EMR/research databases.
• Maintain radiation safety and infection prevention practices.
• Perform study-related DEXA assessments per approved protocols.
• Maintain accurate source documentation and data collection records.
• Coordinate with research staff regarding scheduling/protocols.
• Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and research procedures.

Skills

Patient service

Attention to detail

Ability to work in fast-paced env

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Radiologic technology program graduate

California radiologic license/permits

CBDT/ISCD preferred

Tools

eClinicalWorks EMR

Lunar iDXA scanner

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The DEXA Technologist performs dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans to assess bone mineral density and body composition in accordance with established clinical protocols, radiation safety standards, and regulatory requirements. This position supports patient care, research activities, and preventive health initiatives by ensuring accurate image acquisition, data collection, and patient education.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent patient service skills, attention to detail, proficiency in imaging procedures, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outpatient and/or research environment.

This is a contingent part-time, non-benefited position scheduled on an as-needed basis to support clinical care and research operations. Work schedules, hours, and shift lengths may vary based on operational and business needs and are not guaranteed. This position is onsite.

Patient Care

• Prepare patients for DEXA examinations by reviewing medical history, explaining procedures, and addressing patient questions or concerns.


• Obtain and document patient height, weight, demographic information, and relevant clinical history.


• Position patients appropriately to ensure accurate and reproducible scan results.


• Perform bone density and body composition scans according to established protocols.


• Monitor patients during procedures and respond appropriately to patient needs.

Imaging and Clinical Operations

• Operate and maintain DEXA equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and organizational policies.


• Conduct daily quality control and calibration procedures.


• Verify image quality and complete preliminary review for technical accuracy.


• Ensure proper documentation and upload of scan results into the electronic medical record (EMR) and/or research database.


• Maintain compliance with radiation safety requirements and infection prevention practices.

Research Support

• Perform study-related DEXA assessments according to approved protocols.


• Maintain accurate source documentation and data collection records.


• Coordinate with research coordinators, investigators, and sponsors regarding scheduling and protocol requirements.


• Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and research procedures when applicable.


• Comply with all applicable research regulations, institutional policies, study protocols, and participant confidentiality requirements.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Schedule and confirm patient appointments as needed.


• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements at all times.


• Assist with inventory management and ordering of necessary supplies.


• Participate in staff meetings, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Training will be provided where necessary, and support may be provided to assist employees in performing assigned responsibilities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Graduate of an accredited radiologic technology program or recognized bone densitometry training program, as applicable.


• Current California licensure, certification, permits, and registrations required to legally perform assigned radiologic or bone densitometry duties in California.


• Basic computer proficiency and experience working with EMR systems.


• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.


• Ability to work independently and effectively manage assigned responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist (CBDT) credential through the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) preferred.


• ARRT certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, or another imaging discipline preferred.


• Previous experience performing DEXA scans in a clinical, imaging, or research setting preferred.


• Experience working with research participants and study protocols preferred.


• Familiarity with eClinicalWorks (EMR) preferred.


• Experience operating a Lunar iDXA bone health and metabolic health assessment scanner is preferred; training will be provided.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Proficient English language skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension, sufficient to communicate effectively with patients, research participants, healthcare providers, and staff, and to accurately complete required documentation. Intermediate Spanish language skills, including speaking, reading, and writing, are preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and climb stairs. Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate imaging equipment, computers, medical devices, and office equipment, including the collection, documentation, and entry of patient and research data, is required. The employee must frequently reach with hands and arms.

The position requires close visual acuity to review imaging results, electronic records, study documentation, and other detailed information. Adequate hearing and verbal communication abilities are necessary to effectively interact with patients, research participants, healthcare providers, and study personnel.

The employee may be required to stand for extended periods while performing DEXA examinations and assisting with patient positioning. The employee may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, pull, and/or move equipment, supplies, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Regular and reliable attendance, including adherence to scheduled work hours, is an essential function of this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an outpatient clinical setting and may include clinical examination areas, imaging rooms, research facilities, and administrative workspaces. The position requires frequent interaction with patients, research participants, healthcare providers, and study staff. Employees may be required to move between clinical, research, and administrative areas to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and the illumination of the work area is primarily fluorescent and other artificial lighting.

This position is associated with exposure to biohazardous materials and communicable diseases requiring adherence to universal precautions at all times, as well as other conditions commonly encountered in clinical and research environments.

Employees are required to follow all applicable safety procedures, infection prevention protocols, radiation safety requirements, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by organizational policy and applicable regulatory requirements.

The duties and responsibilities described above are not intended to be a comprehensive list. Management reserves the right to assign additional job-related duties and responsibilities consistent with business needs.