Radiographer

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Driver’s License
• Participate in Company’s Drug Free Safety Program
• No Criminal History (Fingerprinting)

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

Successfully completing an accredited educational program in radiologic technology, attaining appropriate primary certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and possess a valid state radiographer license.

RADIOGRAPHER SCOPE OF PRACTICE

The scope of practice of the portable radiographer includes:

• Receiving, relaying and documenting verbal, written and electronic orders in the patient’s medical record.
• Corroborating patient’s clinical history with procedure, ensuring information is documented and available for use by the radiologist and billing staff.
• Assuming responsibility for patient needs during procedures.
• Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self and others.
• Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
• Performing ongoing quality assurance activities.
• Performing diagnostic radiographic procedures as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner.
• Determining technical exposure factors.
• Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of radiographic procedures.

RADIOGRAPHER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The radiographer:

• Gathers relevant information from the patient, medical record, significant others and health care providers.
• Reconfirms patient identification and verifies the procedure requested or prescribed.
• Verifies the patient’s pregnancy status.
• Reviews previous examinations for comparison.
• Identifies and removes artifact-producing objects.
• Employs professional judgment to adapt imaging procedures to improve diagnostic quality.
• Determines the need for and selects shielding and immobilization devices.
• Determines that all requirements are in place to achieve quality diagnostic procedures.
• Verifies that exposure indicator data for digital radiographic systems has not been altered or modified and is included in the DICOM header and on images printed to media.
• Analyzes digital images to determine utilization of appropriate imaging parameters.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions at a level the patients and their care providers can understand. Addresses patient questions and concerns regarding the procedure.
• Provides related patient education.
• Assesses the patient’s physical, emotional and mental status.
• Positions patient for anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort.
• Employs proper radiation safety practices.
• Utilizes technical factors according to equipment specifications to meet the ALARA principle.
• Uses pre-exposure collimation and proper field-of-view selection.
• Uses appropriate pre-exposure radiopaque markers for anatomical purposes.
• Selects the best position for the demonstration of anatomy.
• Evaluates images for positioning to demonstrate the anatomy of interest.
• Evaluates images for optimal technical exposure factors.
• Reviews images to determine if additional images will enhance the diagnostic value of the procedure.
• Documents data in the medical record in a timely, accurate and comprehensive manner.
• Documents exceptions from the established criteria or procedures.
• Records information used for billing and coding procedures.
• Archives images or data.
• Documents procedural timeout.
• Adheres to standards, policies and established guidelines.
• Applies professional judgment and discretion while performing the diagnostic study.
• Anticipates and responds to patient needs.
• Respects cultural variations.
• Maintains credentials and certification.
• Participates in continuing education to maintain and enhance competency and performance.
• Shares knowledge and expertise with others.