Radiology Technologist

About the Role

Performs interpretive, patient care, and technical functions to ensure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients, under the direction of the Department Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care:

• Confirm patient identity and evaluate their 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 of information.

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

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

• Ensure patient safety, comfort, and modesty.

• Communicate scheduling delays to waiting patients.

• Verify or obtain patient consent as necessary.

• Explain procedure instructions to patient or their family.

• Practice standard precautions and follow appropriate procedures for patients in isolation.

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

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

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

• Confirm and prepare contrast media for administration.

• Use sterile or aseptic technique for administration.

• Observe patients after contrast media administration for adverse reactions.

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

• Explain post-procedural instructions to patient or their 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.

• Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patients.

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

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

• Set exposure factors to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and minimum radiation dose.

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

• Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupational radiation exposure.

• Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty.

• Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports to determine if values are within established limits.

• Equipment Operation:

• Prepare and operate radiographic units and accessories (e.g., three-phase generator, high-frequency generator, bone densitometry unit).

• Prepare and operate fluoroscopy units and accessories (e.g., fixed fluoroscopic unit, pulse fluoroscopy, digital fluoroscopy, mobile fluoroscopic unit).

• Prepare and operate digital imaging devices (e.g., computerized radiography, direct digital radiography, Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS)).

• Image Production:

• Remove radiopaque materials that could interfere with the radiographic 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 making an exposure.

• Position patients to demonstrate desired anatomy using body landmarks.

• Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts (e.g., fixed kVp technique chart, variable kVp technique chart, Automatic Exposure Control (AEC)).

• Modify exposure factors for specific circumstances (e.g., involuntary motion, casts, pathological conditions, patient's inability to cooperate).

• Process exposed images.

• Reload cassettes and magazines with proper film size and type.

• Prepare digital/computed image receptors for exposure.

• Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiographs.

• Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.

• Determine and take corrective measures if a radiograph is not of diagnostic quality.

• 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 (e.g., beam restriction system, beam alignment, source-to-image receptor distance indicator, radiation protection devices).

• Safety Awareness:

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

• Perform final verification for correct patient, procedure, site, and information before invasive procedures.

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

• Follow approved procedures 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

• Radiation Technologist role.
• Proficiency expected after six (6) months of work experience.
• Must produce CEU records prior to start date and on an ongoing basis.
• Responsible for maintaining CEU activity on-site for a period of two years longer than the last licensure renewal date.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Preferred Graduate of an approved two-year program.
• Required Licenses / Registrations:
• RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) or
• RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license)