Radiology Technologist

About the Role

Performs interpretive, patient care, and technical functions to ensure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care

• Confirm patient identity.

• Evaluate patient's ability to understand and comply with examination requirements.

• Explain and confirm patient preparation (e.g., diet restrictions, preparatory medications).

• Examine radiographic requisitions to verify accuracy and completeness.

• Sequence imaging procedures to avoid residual contrast material affecting future exams.

• Manage medical equipment attached to patients (e.g., IV's, oxygen) during procedures.

• Provide for patient safety, comfort, and modesty.

• Communicate scheduling delays to waiting patients.

• Verify or obtain patient consent as necessary (e.g., contrast studies).

• Explain procedure instructions to patient or family.

• Practice standard precautions.

• Follow appropriate procedures when in contact with patients in isolation.

• Select immobilization devices to prevent patient movement and/or ensure safety.

• Use proper body mechanics and/or mechanical transfer devices.

• Gather information prior to contrast agent administration to determine appropriate dosage and assess risk of adverse reaction.

• Confirm type of contrast media and prepare for administration.

• Use sterile or aseptic technique and prepare for administration.

• Observe patient after contrast media administration to detect adverse reactions.

• Recognize the need for prompt medical attention and administer emergency care.

• Explain post-procedural instructions to patient or family.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient information.

• Document required information on patient's medical record.

• Quality assure exams performed to capture technical and room time.

• Perform work of equal or higher skill, effort, and responsibility as directed.

• Radiation Protection

• Clean, disinfect, or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items.

• Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding.

• Minimize radiation exposure to patients.

• Question female patients of child-bearing age about pregnancy and take appropriate action.

• Restrict beam to limit exposure area, improve image quality, and reduce radiation dose.

• Set kVp, mA, and time or automatic exposure system for optimum image quality and minimum radiation dose.

• Prevent unnecessary persons from remaining in the area during x-ray exposure.

• Minimize occupation radiation exposure.

• Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty.

• Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports.

• Equipment Operation & Image Production

• Prepare and operate radiographic units and accessories, including:

• Three-phase generator.

• High-frequency generator.

• Bone densitometry unit.

• Prepare and operate fluoroscopy units and accessories, including:

• Fixed fluoroscopic unit.

• Pulse fluoroscopy.

• Digital fluoroscopy.

• Mobile fluoroscopic unit.

• Prepare and operate digital imaging devices, including:

• Computerized radiography.

• Direct digital radiography.

• PACS (Picture Archival and Communication System).

• Remove radiopaque materials that could interfere with the image.

• Select equipment and accessories (e.g., grid, compensating filters, shielding).

• Use radiopaque markers to indicate anatomical side, position, or other relevant information.

• Explain breathing instructions prior to exposure.

• Position patients using body landmarks.

• Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts.

• Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as involuntary motion, casts and splints, pathological conditions, or patient inability to cooperate.

• Process exposed images.

• Reload cassettes and magazines with proper film.

• Prepare digital/computed image receptors for exposure.

• Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiographs.

• Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.

• Determine and take corrective action for non-diagnostic radiographs.

• Store and handle film/cassettes to reduce artifact production.

• Equipment Maintenance

• Recognize and report malfunctions in radiographic or fluoroscopic units and accessories.

• Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories, including:

• Beam restriction system.

• Beam alignment.

• Source-to-image receptor distance indicator.

• Radiation protection devices (lead aprons and gloves).

• Safety Awareness

• Foster a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

• Perform final verification of correct patient, procedure, site, and information prior to invasive procedures.

• Verify patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.

• Follow approved procedure for verifying MD orders, including verbal readback.

• Comply with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines.

• Consistently follow hospital policy to mark surgical sites.

• Make appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

• Adhere to respiratory etiquette guidelines.

• Adhere to universal precautions.

• Appropriately dispose of hazardous materials.

• Adhere to electrical safety guidelines.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Equipment:
• Three-phase generator.
• High-frequency generator.
• Bone densitometry unit.
• Fixed fluoroscopic unit.
• Pulse fluoroscopy.
• Digital fluoroscopy.
• Mobile fluoroscopic unit.
• Computerized radiography.
• Direct digital radiography.
• PACS (Picture Archival and Communication System).
• Techniques & Tools:
• Calipers.
• Technique charts (Fixed kVp, Variable kVp).
• Automatic exposure control (AEC).
• Immobilization devices.
• Sterile/Aseptic technique.
• Personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an approved two-year program (Preferred).
• Licenses/Registrations:
• RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) or RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license).
• Continuing Education:
• Responsible for maintaining CEU activity on-site for two years longer than the last licensure renewal date.
• Must produce CEU records prior to start date and on an ongoing basis.