CT Technologist

Job Summary

The CT Technologist performs examinations in accordance with ACR accreditation practice guidelines and NMC protocols for CT and X-Ray. The CT Technologist works under the guidance of the Lead CT Technologist, the direct supervision of the Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, Diagnostic Imaging Medical Director, and under general supervision of the Director of Diagnostic Imaging.

Pre-requisites

Experience: Experienced Radiologic Technologist of 1-2 years cross trained in CT preferred.

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of Radiologic Technology with current certification and Licensure in CT.

• Certifications: BLS required
  
  

Relationships

• Reports To:
• Director of Diagnostic Imaging
• Supervises:
• n/a
• Other Contacts:
• Radiologist, Medical staff, patients, hospital employees, other healthcare facilities, private physician offices, public & volunteers
  

Scope

Machinery or Equipment Used:

• CT scanner, dynamap, contrast injector, computers, standard office equipment, wheelchairs, stretchers, oxygen cylinders and regulators, patient safety devices

Physical Demands:

• Occasional: lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, squatting, stooping, climbing, standing, kneeling, crouching, overhead reaching(80”), downward pull and upward push of 50 lbs., carrying up to 30 lbs. Frequent: forward reaching(28”), sitting, pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs., lifting table extension up to 4 lbs, carrying up to 30 lbs., seeing/flexion of neck. Constant: walking, handling, fingering.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to electrical, mechanical and radiant energy hazards, possible exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Exposure to crisis situations and unpleasant elements of acute traumatic injuries, occasional stress due to work load and competing priorities. Occasional subject to irregular hours.
• Occasional stress/pressure due to Operating Room, inpatient, or Emergency stat exams.
• Exposure to cleaning agents.
• Required Protective Equipment:
• Plastic/lead aprons (full bib), gloves, gowns, goggles, masks, face shield as situation requires.
  

Essential Functions

Performs diagnostic procedures on patients according to American College of Radiology standards and practices, MQSA, ARRT, and/or ARDMS.

• Adapts procedures according to protocol to meet the individual needs of the patient, the provider and the situation
• Identifies and performs safety measures according to regulatory agency and policy guidelines
  
  

Communicates with patients, team members, and management in an accurate and timely manner evidenced by:

• Talks with and listens to patients/team members
• Appropriately pre-screens patient
• Alleviates patient's anxieties
• Completes timely clinical documentation
• Uses all electronic systems to appropriately manage the patient experience
• Protects confidentiality of patient/colleagues
  
  

Applies Critical Thinking Skills And Considers Alternatives.

• Organizes multitask workload
• Prioritizes tasks/work
• Collects/integrates data from multiple sources
• Organizes/delivers care for multiple priorities
  
  

Develops and maintain human care relationships.

• Adapts patient care for diverse populations
• Advocates for needs of patients
• Refers concerns/issues to appropriate resources
  
  

Manages self and resources effectively.

• Acknowledges limits of experience and capability
• Identifies learning needs and seeks resources
• Utilizes equipment and supplies appropriately
• Maintain clean, orderly environment of care
• Ensures traffic control in “sensitive areas”
• Seeks out and accepts feedback
• Requests assistance appropriately
  
  

Applies Leadership Skills.

• Participates in QC and performance improvement initiatives
• Manages conflict
• Coordinates workflow among co-workers to maintain adequate coverage for scheduled and non-scheduled exams
  
  

Incorporates teaching in delivery of care with a focus on health promotion.

• Provides appropriate information to patient
• Assesses for barriers to learning
• Uses colleagues as a learning resource
• Supports the preceptorship program, student rotations and job shadow experiences
  
  

Demonstrates the unit specific skills requisite for unit/patient population served.

• See department and modality specific competencies
  
  

Performs Duties And Functions As a CT Technologist.

• Obtains and assesses patient history and determines appropriateness and specific protocol. Refers to Radiologists with any questions.
• Performs CT Scans according to set protocols with the ability to effectively manipulate and/or adapt technical parameters when needed to obtain maximum image quality.
• Maintains knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and common landmarks used for positioning and scanning.
• Maintains a high level of awareness in regards to Radiation Safety and CT Dose, adhering to ALARA standards and ACR guidelines. Has documented training in operating CT equipment and Radiation Physics. Uses appropriate shielding when possible.
• Performs post-processing of images to include but not limited to: Multi Planar Reformats (MPRs), oblique MPRs, 3-D volume rendering, and Maximum Intensity Projections (MIPs).
• Screens all patients requiring IV contrast media for allergies, and/or those that may be at high risk for Contrast Induced Nephrotoxicity (i.e. Metformin, kidney function).
• Provides clear explanations to patients requiring IV contrast, explaining risks vs. benefits, while obtaining consent.
• Prepares and administers contrast media (oral, IV, and rectal) appropriately to include patient preparations and documentation.
• Maintains competency in obtaining IV access for those receiving IV contrast.
• Has extensive knowledge of High Pressure Power Injectors and manufacturer guidelines of IV access devices. Safely injects patients using Power Injector, selecting appropriate settings and manipulating technical parameters if needed.
• Accurately sends studies to VRad (remote Radiologists) on off shifts when Radiologist is not in-house.
• Performs QA duties in accordance with ACR CT QA Program.
• Maintains continuing education requirements to include 5 CT specific credits per year.
• Works in and provides coverage in other modalities/satellites appropriate to credentials, scheduling and department needs.