The practice of mammography is performed by radiologic technologists who have initially met the qualifications to administer ionizing radiation. The technologist must subsequently have met the federal mammography training requirements as specified in the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA). A mammography technologist performs radiographic procedures and related techniques, producing images at the request of and for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Mammography integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction and compassionate care to obtain viable diagnostic information. A mammography technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure.

Radiographers must demonstrate an understanding of breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. Mammography technologists must comprehend the complexities of the federal regulations in or der to meet the minimum standards for the performance of mammography. He or she must have knowledge of quality assurance policies and quality control testing for digital mammography. Mammography technologists must maintain a high degree of accuracy in breast positioning, exposure techniques, and subsequent evaluation of imaging parameters to optimize patient imaging and care while adhering to radiation protection and safety standards.

Mammography technologists are the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and other members of the support team. Mammography must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills. Participation in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance is expected.

The scope of practice for the Mammography Technologist includes:
Performing breast imaging procedures.
Determining radiographic technique exposure factors.
Performing radiography of pathologic breast specimens.
Providing or assisting with physical breast inspection or palpation.
Assisting LIP breast interventional radiographic procedures.
Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of radiographic procedures, including assisting and transporting patients.
Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record.
Corroborating patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
Verifying informed consent.
Assuming responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures.
Preparing patients for procedures.
Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others.
Performing venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner.
Starting and maintaining intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for a LIP.
Identifying, preparing, and /or administering medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP.
Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
Identifying and escalating emergency situations and managing until appropriate LIP, EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control.
Providing patient education related to imaging procedure.
Educating, mentoring, and general oversight of students and other learners in the Radiology environment.
Performing ongoing quality assurance activities.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:
Registry by the American Registry of Radiology Technologist (ARRT-R)
ARRT-M

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Current Certification by ARRT in Radiography
Current Certification by ARRT in Mammography (ARRT-M)
Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)

Experience REQUIRED:
One (1) year of previous work experience as Breast Imaging Technologist

Experience PREFERRED:
One to three (1-3) year of previous work experience as Breast Imaging Technologist
Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment

Education/training REQUIRED:
Graduation from a JRC Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology that is recognized by the ARRT

Education/training PREFERRED:
Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology or closely related field from an accredited program

Independent action(s) required:
The mammography technologist utilizes independent professional judgment to obtain the resultant diagnostic information when possible and seeks directive from a qualified interpreting physician or lawful institutional policies (or standards of care) to continue to discontinue the exam otherwise.
Mammography Technologists independently performs screening and diagnostic mammography exams based on lawful institutional policies and/or practice standards and/or follows the directive of the interpreting physician to assist in the completion of the exam.
Mammography Technologists represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role.
Resolves basic service delivery issues.
Lead technologists may perform “lead technologist” functions such as coordinating work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift/area; serve as clinical or technical resource; provide training.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A

Additional position requirements:
Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor.
Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system.
Weekend and other after hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system.
Mammography Technologists are considered “Essential Employees” who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.

Age Specific groups served: All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Other: describe -
Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance), Repetitive motion, Other: Prolonged computer interaction
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking, Other: Vision
Emotional:Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

 

 

Compensation Grade Ranges: Mammography Technologist I: $33.00 - $48.70 Mammography Technologist II: $33.00 - $48.70 Mammography Technologist III: $35.19 - $54.55 Actual Salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

 

 

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