Mammography Technologist

Description

Under general supervision of the Supervisory Radiologic Technologist, the Mammography Technologist is responsible for the independent operation of the mammography equipment. Radiology Services provides specialized diagnostic medical services on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Responsibility of managing the daily operation of the Mammography section. Apply state of the art strategies to reduce health risks associated with breast cancer. In performing this function, the individual provides the necessary competencies or obtains the needed expertise from specialists. Upholds the principles of WIHCC’s Vision, Mission, and Value Statements. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information at all times.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Gains patient cooperation by reducing anxieties; providing explanations of imaging procedures; explaining equipment; answering questions.
• Plans, develops, implements, maintains, and evaluates a comprehensive program designed to promote breast cancer screening.
• Responsible for the accuracy, quality and performance of screening, diagnostic and invasive mammography.
• Conducts mammography study by positioning breasts; adjusting compression mechanisms; instructing patient to hold breath; retreating to lead protected area; adjusting equipment controls to set exposure factors; activating equipment to take image; releasing compression mechanisms; preparing for next positioning and view.
• Responsible for all technical requirements and quality assurance measures as required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American College of Radiology (ACR), Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and other mammography accrediting agencies, as well as the overall cleanliness and organization of the mammography suite and associated equipment.
• Interprets Exam requests accurately, perform exam which will optimize clarity for diagnostic use and recognizes when additional scans or different positions are needed to fully illustrate the abnormality.
• Determines the need for compression views, magnification views or other standard/specialized views independently.
• Responsible for the overall case management of breast health problems and tracking.
• Performs health record audits and conducts follow up of patients as required by FDA, MQSA, etc.
• Ensures operation of mammography equipment by completing preventive maintenance; instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories.
• Develops breast imaging protocols.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies.
• Maintains a database for the planning, development and evaluation of a comprehensive breast health case management system.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with appropriate agencies, individuals and groups concerned with breast cancer prevention and control.
• Requires completion of tasks or duties assigned by a supervisor.
• Upholds all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adheres to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Adheres to WIHCCs Personnel Policies and Procedures, departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Interacts in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees, visitors, and vendors.
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintains compliance with all Human Resources requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Associates Degree. Three years of clinical experience in breast imaging required. Accredited Radiologic Technology program and current Certification by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography and advanced level of Certification in Mammography with documentation of clinical experience or MQSA qualified required. Must be current on all required continuing education and continuing experience as required by MQSA and ARRT. CPR certification required. Knowledge in Bilingual skills in English and Navajo language preferred. Must maintain a valid unrestricted and insurable driver’s license. Must successfully pass a background investigation and maintain suitable requirements for a Child Care position. This position is considered as a Child Care position, which requires a satisfactory background check investigation and is subject to the requirements of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, as amended (henceforth referred as the ICPFVP Act).

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of mammography in order to consistently produce high quality diagnostic exams, maintain equipment and ensure quality assurance.
• Knowledge of physiology and breast anatomy.
• Knowledge of performing all basic and complex mammography studies.
• Knowledge of standard and specialized views.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards to assure adequate safeguards are taken.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to read, understand, and interpret medical information.
• Knowledge of HIPAA to maintain confidentiality of all pertinent patient information.
• Knowledge of strong work ethics in the workplace.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to be dependable in attendance and job performance.
• Ability to meet attendance and other reliability requirements of the job.
• Ability to accept and learn from feedback.
• Ability to effectively communicate both in written and verbal.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service at all times.
• Ability to interact positively with others and possess great interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to have self-confidence.
• Ability to be a great team player.
• Ability to accept and learn from supervisor/peer critique.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the organization.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.   

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting or outdoor work environment with a moderate noise level. Work environment may involve exposure to physical risks, such as blood borne pathogens and operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.

As required by P.L. 93-638, absolute preference will be given to qualified Navajo applicants.  If there is no qualified Navajo applicant, preference will be given to qualified American Indian applicants.