Mammography Technologist

Advocate Health Care; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Chicago seeks a Radiology Mammography Technologist to determine technique and position patients for high-quality mammographic films. You will operate advanced mammography equipment, ensure safety measures, and deliver compassionate, efficient patient care in a busy department.

You will maintain patient records, label studies, communicate with radiologists, and participate in quality control initiatives to uphold imaging standards.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Radiographic Technology.
• Minimum 3 years radiography experience; mammography experience preferred.
• Current ARRT radiography certification and IDNS license.
• CPR certification.
• Strong communication and patient-care skills.

Responsibilities

• Position patients and adjust equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality mammograms.
• Maintain safety standards and shielding.
• Label and file mammograms and maintain patient records.
• Perform quality control and report malfunctions.

Skills

Mammography

Radiography

ARRT Certification

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Radiologic Technology

ARRT Mammography Certification

Tools

Radiography Equipment

Mammography Equipment

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Determination of appropriate mammography technique and position for patients using immobilization and support devices to ensure optimum film quality.

• Position patient, adjust equipment, immobilization and support devices as necessary, using courtesy at all times.
• Determine appropriate mammography technique based on anatomy and patient condition to obtain quality films that provide radiologists with a diagnostic tool.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Operation of advanced and sophisticated mammography/radiographic equipment. Maintenance of supplies needed to ensure adequate levels within the department.

• Prepare mammography room by ensuring supplies are stocked.
• Alert department supervisor immediately of equipment malfunctions.

Patient Care Delivery

Delivery of patient care in accordance with department standards and continued quality improvement.

• Distribute information required by State law and other governing agencies.
• Maintain a timely flow of scheduled patients, emergencies and unscheduled add-on patients.
• Secure history from patients regarding the reason for test ordered and record on appropriate form for radiologist information.
• Maintain positive customer relations including proper phone etiquette following prescribed standards.
• Provide adequate shielding to every patient in accordance with prescribed radiation safety standards.
• Demonstrate rapport and assist others when necessary.
• Maintain patient records, answer phones and schedule exams.
• Label all mammograms following department established criteria and standards.
• Check film quality to assure optimal quality is obtained.
• Perform quality control activities according to ACR guidelines, document results and notify the supervisor when malfunctions occur or when the processor quality control has exceeded the set boundaries.
• Be competent to perform film reviews and determine if more views are necessary to complete the exam.
• Identify artifacts on film and assist in problem solving.
• Exhibit a professional manner in relating to patients, physicians, family members, etc., at all times.

Safety and Environment

Insurance of a secure and safe patient/work environment by maintaining a continued awareness of safety hazards.

• Maintain housekeeping duties including cleanliness, neatness and appearance of designated work areas.
• Adhere to department procedures regarding patient safety.
• Report clean-up spills to the appropriate person.
• Follow department policy and procedures regarding exposure prevention.
• Use Universal Precautions in daily performance of procedures and protect self against bodily fluid contact.
• Follow policy on lifting to prevent injuries.

Professional Development

Participation in professional development by attending inservices and continuing education programs appropriate to the goals and needs of the department. Participation in problem solving issues relating to department operations and interdepartmental relationships.

• Maintain current ARRT mammography and radiology certification and IDNS licensure.
• Participate in team problem solving that would continue to improve quality.
• Attend department inservice programs to insure technical competence.
• Attend CPR classes to maintain re-certification.
• Maintain required amount of mammography CME credits for ARRT, IDNS, MQSA and other governing agencies.

Education and Experience Required

Graduate of an accredited School of Radiographic Technology. 3 years of radiography required, mammography experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Knowledge of Health Information System. Ability to anticipate patient, employee and department needs and refer for action. Good communication skills.

Licensed Radiographic Technology by the IDNS. CPR certification ARRT registered in radiography and mammography.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Radiation exposure. Ability to work weekends. Ability to perform lifting/transfer activities related to patients. May be exposed to infectious disease and hazardous materials. This position will need to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand growth and development; normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging; Prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.