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.