Mammography Technologist Jobs

Job Summary

The mammography technologist operates radiologic equipment to produce radiographs of breast tissue for diagnostic purposes as directed by the radiologist.

Essential Job Functions

• Other duties as assigned.
• Processes images through CAD system
• Assesses factors that may contraindicate procedure such as medications and insufficient patient preparation.
• Explains the need for adequate compression in achieving a quality mammogram.
• Performs invasive procedures as directed by the radiologist according to established department guidelines.
• Informs patient of how and when she/he and her/his physician will receive a radiologist report of the examination where applicable
• Assures adequate patient care and office supplies are maintained.
• Applies and adjusts radiation protective shielding where applicable
• Documents any exceptions from the established guidelines.
• Determines the need for repeat or additional images; obtains additional images as needed.
• Verifies information in MRS and completes appropriate MRS documentation.
• Promotes breast health in the community through participation in health fairs or other events
• Obtains optimum images during examination/procedure.
  • Documents the location of breast lumps scars or moles by placing radiopaque markers on the breast and/or diagraming on the patient's clinical history sheet
  • Obtains images by applying the maximum amount of tolerable compression to the patient's breast.
  • Performs invasive procedures as directed by the radiologist according to established department guidelines.
  • Evaluates the mammographic image for positioning, technique, artifacts, and compression. Determines the prescribed or suitable anatomical position to image the proper anatomical portion of the breast.
  • Determines the need for repeat or additional images; obtains additional images as needed.
  • Performs at least the minimum number of mammography examinations for MQSA regulations.
• Verifies the patient's pregnancy status when appropriate
• Facilitates correspondence with all departments to assure procedures are done in a timely manner.
  • Works with centralized scheduling and nursing units to schedule customers in accordance with established scheduling procedures.
  • Determine priority or sequence of scheduling to assure satisfactory unit function and workflow
• Analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase and determines optimal imaging parameters per diagnosis.
  • Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure
  • Assesses factors that may contraindicate procedure such as medications and insufficient patient preparation.
  • Applies and adjusts radiation protective shielding where applicable
• Documents the location of breast lumps scars or moles by placing radiopaque markers on the breast and/or diagraming on the patient's clinical history sheet
• Performs daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly QC on equipment as required by MQSA standards.
• Determine priority or sequence of scheduling to assure satisfactory unit function and workflow
• Provides information to the patient about the procedure.
  • Verifies the patient has consented to the procedure and answers any questions the patient may have.
  • Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient can understand.
  • Provides information on breast self-examination via demonstration or brochure where applicable
  • Explains the need for adequate compression in achieving a quality mammogram.
  • Responds to questions about radiation dosage and the possible need for additional projections.
  • Informs patient of how and when she/he and her/his physician will receive a radiologist report of the examination where applicable
• Coordinates rescheduling of patients during equipment downtime.
• Provides information on breast self-examination via demonstration or brochure where applicable
• Works with centralized scheduling and nursing units to schedule customers in accordance with established scheduling procedures.
• Verifies the patient has consented to the procedure and answers any questions the patient may have.
• Reports equipment malfunction to service provider.
• Reconfirms the patient's identification and verifies the physician's order.
• Completes medication reconciliation documentation per department policy.
• Obtains images by applying the maximum amount of tolerable compression to the patient's breast.
• Documents information about patient care, exam, and patient history in appropriate record.
  • Verifies correct order is entered into RIS
  • Documents appropriate patient history.
  • Documents any exceptions from the established guidelines.
  • Processes images through CAD system
  • Verifies information in MRS and completes appropriate MRS documentation.
  • Completes medication reconciliation documentation per department policy.
• Verifies correct order is entered into RIS
• Initiates established downtime procedures during HIS/RIS downtime
• Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure.
  • Reconfirms the patient's identification and verifies the physician's order.
  • Assures the proper screening protocol is completed.
  • Verifies the patient's pregnancy status when appropriate
• Performs at least the minimum number of mammography examinations for MQSA regulations.
• Implements downtime procedures when necessary.
  • Coordinates rescheduling of patients during equipment downtime.
• Responds to questions about radiation dosage and the possible need for additional projections.
• Documents appropriate patient history.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient can understand.
• Evaluates the mammographic image for positioning, technique, artifacts, and compression. Determines the prescribed or suitable anatomical position to image the proper anatomical portion of the breast.
• Attends department meetings or reviews meeting minutes.
• Maintains equipment and work station in optimum condition,
  • Performs daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly QC on equipment as required by MQSA standards.
  • Assures adequate patient care and office supplies are maintained.
  • Reports equipment malfunction to service provider.
• Assures the proper screening protocol is completed.
• Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure

Specialty Functions

• Performs Dexa scans (bone densitometry).
  • Maintains Dexa scan unit and follows imaging protocol.
  • Archives imaging data to optical disc or PACS.
  • Reports equipment malfunction to service provider
• Reports equipment malfunction to service provider
• Maintains Dexa scan unit and follows imaging protocol.
• Archives imaging data to optical disc or PACS.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a (JRCERT) accredited Radiologic Technology Program recognized by ARRT.

• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Medical Terminology
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) to twelve (12) months on the job experience to enhance knowledge of procedures and techniques

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.

• Completion of advanced level examination in Mammography (RTM) within one year of hire or transfer.

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.
• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.