JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the health care provider, responsible for the delivery of patient care that promotes the safety and wellbeing of all patients.
Accurately preforms preliminary physical tests. Under close supervision, responsible for operating X-ray and fluoroscopic equipment that assists radiologists and / or physicians with diagnosing and / or treating disease and / or injury.
Assumes the responsibilities and the performance of acts within the educational background of the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiology.
Responsibilities
- Prepare patients for radiologic procedures and protects patients, self and other staff from radiation hazards.
- Take X-rays following established procedures for patient care and safety, which involves setting up and operating radiographic equipment used in the medical diagnosis and / or treatment of patients.
- Position patients and take X-ray of specific parts of the patients’ body as requested by the physician.
- Process film and check X-ray for clarity of image; retake when necessary.
- Distribute X-ray to appropriate medical staff.
- Perform general patient care by following established standards and procedures.
- Obtain and record vital signs including but not limited to, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, weight, drug allergies, and current medications and presenting problem.
- May be required to draw and collect blood samples from patients and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Administer ordered medications and / or vaccines via oral, injection, topically, rectal, ophthalmic, and / or inhalant administration.
- May perform routine tests including but not limited to EKG’s.
- Schedule outpatient tests and procedures at hospitals via telephone. Explain simple tests and preparation required to patient.
- Communicate with patient regarding test results and plan of care by phone or mail as directed by physician.
- Prepare, clean and sterilize instruments and maintain equipment; keep patient exam rooms stocked, clean and orderly; dispose of contaminated items according to protocol.
- Document patient plan(s) of care, tests and examination results in the medical record as directed by the provider.
- Escalate non-routine issues, questions and / or concerns to the practice manager or healthcare provider(s).
- Ensure safety checklists / quality controls are completed as required.
- Provide for patient safety and protection of patient privacy rights.
- Perform other duties as assigned by practice manager, MA Lead or as requested by healthcare provider(s).
Qualifications
MINIMIUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Current / valid Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification required or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) required if applicable.
- Successfully completed Medication Aide 40-hour course or current / valid Medication Aide certification by state agency required if applicable.
- Non-Certified Radiologic Technician (NCT) license issued by state agency or passing the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam issued by ARRT in one of the following modalities required :
- Head, Chest, Core, Spine or Extremities
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) required.
- 2 years Medical Assistant experience required.
- 1 3 years X-ray experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES
Knowledge :
- Knowledge of health care field and medical office protocols / procedures.
- Knowledge of specific assisting tasks related to family & geriatric medical practice.
- Knowledge of information that must be conveyed to patients and families.
- Knowledge of X-ray procedures and protocols.
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology necessary to perform X-ray testing including body mechanics and patient movement.
- Knowledge of radiology equipment including safety hazards common to radiology.
Skills :
- Skill in performing medical assistance task appropriately.
- Tact and diplomacy in interpersonal interactions.
- Skill in understanding patient education needs by effectively listening and sharing information with patients and families.
- Skills in positioning patients properly.
- Skill in identifying equipment problems and correcting or notifying practice manager.
- Skill in following infection control and radiological safety procedures.
Abilities :
- Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures.
- Ability to project a pleasant and professional image.
- Ability to plan, prioritize and complete delegated tasks.
- Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring dealing with others.
- Ability to lift and position patients for the type of X-ray procedure required.
- Ability to notice detail in drawings and differences in shapes and shadings.
- Ability to apply written instructions and standardized work practices.
EQUIPMENT OPERATION EXPERIENCE
Radiological equipment used for medical diagnosis and treatment.
MENTAL / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Standing up to eight hours per day, walking, stooping, and bending. Requires ability to move equipment and transfers patients.