Mammography Technologist PLA

Beacon Health System; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Kalamazoo seeks a Mammography Technologist to operate equipment, position patients, and perform breast imaging procedures per physician directions and safety policies.

You will educate patients about preventive breast health, ensure high-quality images, and manage PACS submissions while maintaining a clean, compliant department.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years cumulative experience or Associate's/4 years experience.
• BLS within 30 days of hire.
• ARRT Mammography or ARDMS certification within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Operates mammography equipment and performs related procedures.
• Prepares and positions patients; selects parameters.
• Explains procedures and educates patients on preventive breast health.
• Develops and evaluates films for quality (density, contrast, definition, distortion).
• Follows radiation safety procedures and guidelines.
• Ensures high-quality images and accurate patient data are sent to PACS.
• Maintains equipment functionality and reports malfunctions.
• Keeps department clean and organized.

Skills

Mammography

Radiology

Patient positioning

PACS knowledge

Quality assurance

Communication

Instrumentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years experience or Associate's degree or 4 years of experience

BLS within 30 days

ARRT (Mammography) or ARDMS (Diagnostics) within 12 months

Tools

PACS system

Job description

Operates basic mammography equipment and uses ionizing radiation to make quality mammography radiographs. Performs medical x-rays on clients, as directed by physicians, according to established policies and procedures. Assists the Radiologist, as needed, during breast examination and breast lesion localization and biopsies. Contributes to a complete clinical history on each client. Participates in educational programs for the community.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Responsibilities

• Operates equipment and performs various mammography related procedures.
• Prepares and positions patients and selects anatomic and technical parameters accurately.
• Explains procedures and educates patients about the role of regular mammography in preventive breast health.
• Develops and evaluates the film for technical quality such as density contrast, definition, and distortion.
• Follows radiation safety procedures and guidelines.
• Ensures prompt submission of high-quality of all images and documents sent to PACS (image quality, correct lead markers and patient data/history).
• Ensures equipment is properly functioning. Reports potential problems or equipment malfunction to appropriate personnel.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, and orderly department to include procedure rooms, storage areas, dressing rooms, film storage area and any other areas in department.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education And Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate'sdegree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
• BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart- Association or American Red Cross accepted.
• One or more of the following:
• Radiologic Technologist specializing in Mammography credentialed from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) obtained within 12 Months (1 year) of hire date or job transfer date.
• Medical Sonographer credentialed from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) obtained within 12 Months (1 year) of hire date or job transfer date.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates expertise in Mammography and Stereotactic Biopsy and Ultrasound techniques.
• Requires the ability to obtain satisfactory mammograms and accurate records, correct inaccurate records and select proper techniques, correct paddle size, position and alignment of beam.
• Requires the analytical skills to evaluate results to achieve and maintain quality assurance standards.
• Demonstrates an interest in scientific and technical knowledge to master the principle techniques to obtain radiographs with minimal exposure to the client.
• Demonstrates the verbal communication skills needed to conduct presentations (for community groups) and answer questions regarding mammography.
• Demonstrates the ability to understand verbal and written instructions, which are stated in radiologic and medical terms.
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets).
• Demonstrates expertise in the use of the PACS system including retrieving and sending images, printing images.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal skills needed to maintain professional interactions with physicians, team members and clients.

Working Conditions

• Works in a radiological environment with possible exposure to radiation.
• Wears lead protective aprons and gloves during certain procedures; also must wear film badge and maintain strictly-controlled standards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires the manual dexterity to adjust machine controls or change, attach and adjust devices or accessories.