Mammography Tech - Stony Point - PRN

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems is seeking a Breast Imaging Technologist to perform mammography exams and related radiographic procedures within the Radiology department. The role emphasizes high-quality imaging, accurate technique selection, and patient safety under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The ideal candidate has ARRT-R and ARRT-M certifications, BLS, and 1+ year of breast imaging experience, with a commitment to teaching students and contributing to quality

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ARRT-recognized JRC Accredited Radiologic Technology program.
• Current ARRT certification in Radiography is required; Mammography certification (ARRT-M) is required for hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
• One year of Breast Imaging Technologist experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform breast imaging procedures and determine exposure factors.
• Assess imaging quality and document proper patient records.
• Provide patient education and support throughout imaging procedures.
• Mentor students and learners in Radiology settings.
• Maintain ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure.

Skills

Patient interaction

Independent professional judgment

Quality assurance

ALARA principles

Mentoring

Education

Graduation from a JRC Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology recognized by ARRT

Bachelor's Degree in Radiologic Technology or closely related field

Tools

ARRT-R

ARRT-M

Job description

The practice of mammography is performed by radiologic technologists who have initially met the qualifications to administer ionizing radiation. The technologist must subsequently have met the federal mammography training requirements as specified in the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA). A mammography technologist performs radiographic procedures and related techniques, producing images at the request of and for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Mammography integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction and compassionate care to obtain viable diagnostic information. A mammography technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure.

Radiographers must demonstrate an understanding of breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. Mammography technologists must comprehend the complexities of the federal regulations in order to meet the minimum standards for the performance of mammography. He or she must have knowledge of quality assurance policies and quality control testing for digital mammography. Mammography technologists must maintain a high degree of accuracy in breast positioning, exposure techniques, and subsequent evaluation of imaging parameters to optimize patient imaging and care while adhering to radiation protection and safety standards.

Mammography technologists are the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and other members of the support team. Mammography must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills. Participation in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance is expected.

Scope of Practice

• Performing breast imaging procedures.
• Determining radiographic technique exposure factors.
• Performing radiography of pathologic breast specimens.
• Providing or assisting with physical breast inspection or palpation.
• Assisting LIP breast interventional radiographic procedures.
• Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of radiographic procedures, including assisting and transporting patients.
• Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient's medical record.
• Corroborating patient's clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
• Verifying informed consent.
• Assuming responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures.
• Preparing patients for procedures.
• Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others.
• Performing venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner.
• Starting and maintaining intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for a LIP.
• Identifying, preparing, and /or administering medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP.
• Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
• Identifying and escalating emergency situations and managing until appropriate LIP, EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control.
• Providing patient education related to imaging procedure.
• Educating, mentoring, and general oversight of students and other learners in the Radiology environment.
• Performing ongoing quality assurance activities.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire

• Registry by the American Registry of Radiology Technologist (ARRT-R)
• ARRT-M

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment

• Current Certification by ARRT in Radiography
• Current Certification by ARRT in Mammography (ARRT-M)
• Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)

Experience REQUIRED

• One (1) year of previous work experience as Breast Imaging Technologist

Experience PREFERRED

• One to three (1-3) year of previous work experience as Breast Imaging Technologist
• Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment

Education/training REQUIRED

• Graduation from a JRC Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology that is recognized by the ARRT

Education/training PREFERRED

• Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology or closely related field from an accredited program

Independent action(s) required

The mammography technologist utilizes independent professional judgment to obtain the resultant diagnostic information when possible and seeks directive from a qualified interpreting physician or lawful institutional policies (or standards of care) to continue to discontinue the exam otherwise.

Mammography Technologists independently performs screening and diagnostic mammography exams based on lawful institutional policies and/or practice standards and/or follows the directive of the interpreting physician to assist in the completion of the exam.

Mammography Technologists represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System.

Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role.

Resolves basic service delivery issues.

Lead technologists may perform "lead technologist" functions such as coordinating work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift/area; serve as clinical or technical resource; provide training.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable)

N/A

Additional position requirements

• Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor.
• Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system.
• Weekend and other after hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system.
• Mammography Technologists are considered "Essential Employees" who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate)

• Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.
• Other: describe -
• Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance), Repetitive motion, Other: Prolonged computer interaction
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking, Other: Vision
• Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Age Specific groups served

All

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran