Mammography Technologist

Advocate Health Care; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Chicago seeks a radiography professional specializing in mammography to determine technique and position patients for quality films. You will work with radiologists, manage histories, and support departmental workflows to reduce wait times.

Requirements include ARRT certification, CPR, and 1–2 years as a general radiographer or sonographer, plus Mammography training. This role emphasizes safety, patient care, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate from an AMA School of Radiology.
• 1 to 2 years experience as a General Radiographer or sonographer.
• 40 hours of specialized training in mammography and continuing education.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate mammographic technique and positioning of patient.
• Position patient, adjust equipment, and secure devices to perform procedures.
• Record patient history and ensure film quality for radiologists.
• Coordinate with registration to expedite patient flow and scheduling.
• Maintain safety standards and clean, stocked exam rooms.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Patient interaction

Education

AMA School of Radiology

Tools

HIS system

RIS system

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Determination of appropriate mammographic technique and positioning of patient.

• Positions patient and adjusts equipment, secures, and immobilizes support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures
• Determines appropriate radiographic technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality films to provide to the radiologists
• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed tests and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review
• Participate in team efforts to reduce wait times, report turn around times, and reduce the amount of lost films
• Work in conjunction with registration to expedite the patients through the department
• When necessary adjust mammogram schedule to include late and add on patients
• When necessary answer phones, schedule patients, answer questions and page physicians
• When necessary file reports, hang, and take down films
• Tactfully call patients back for additional views, answer their questions and schedule them promptly and appropriately

Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.

• Maintains compliance with established safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times
• Adheres to age specific standards
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness for assigned room on a daily basis
• Assures accuracy of exam performed and requisition
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patients in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services.

Coordination of quality control task (checking your radiographic films to ensure optimal quality, etc.

• Checks film quality to assure optimal quality is attained and correct film labeling is provided
• Performs quality control activities, responds to fluctuations in processing and equipment changes
• Coordinates patient flow, and communicates with radiologists and other hospital personnel to ensure exams are completed in a timely fashion.
• Prepares mammographic rooms for procedures, maintains equipment, and supplies as required
• Reports deficient inventory of supplies and linen to Lead Technologist
• Labels radiographic films according to department quality assurance standards and criteria
• Prepares mixtures and/or dyes as necessary following prescribed formulas
• Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures
• Transports patients into and out of department as necessary

Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships and employee morale

• Maintains current ARRT certification, CPR, and state accreditation.
• Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures

Operation of more advance and sophisticated mammographic equipment, like Mammotome, stereotactic guided breast biopsies

• Assists radiologists with specialty procedures to include ductograms, stereo core biopsies, and Mammotome procedures requiring additional experience and knowledge
• Operates all mammographic equipment in all the rooms

Provision of instruction and orientation to technologists and new technologists to effectively participate in the department.

• Provides direction and instruction to technologist in need of assistance with specific procedures
• Provides direction and instruction to all radiologic technology students Education/Experience Required: Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Radiology

1 to 2 years experience as a General Radiographer or sonographer.

40 hours of specialized training and continuing education in mammography.

Knowledge of breast anatomy. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Knowledge of HIS system.

Basic Knowledge of RIS system.

Effective interpersonal skills.

Ability to interact with customers from all levels.

IDNS accreditation in medical radiation technology.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registered (ARRT).

CPR certified.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care.

High degree of technical skills.

Must be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities.

Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care.

Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week.

Radiation exposure.

Must be able to deal with extremely ill patients.

• Knowledge of breast anatomy
• Need to recognize patients experiencing fear or anxiety
• Needs to be able to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e. understand the differences of female growth and development, and look for signs of normal aging; degree of under- standing and physical limitation related to age

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 And/or Move Patients. Heavy Lifting

Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly.

Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints.

May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.

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.