Mammography Technologist

Job Title:
Mammography Technologist

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking a Mammography Technologist to perform general screenings and produce basic radiographs of breast disorders on all age groups for patients in a clinic.

Definition: Under general direction, performs general screenings and produces basic radiographs of breast disorders on all age groups for patients in a clinic and performs other related work as required.

Responsibilities:

• Receives and reviews physician's request for mammography procedure and identifies the patient per department policy.
• Reviews brief breast health history and confirms correct study is ordered and performed.
• Performs screening and diagnostic mammography.
• Checks the operation of equipment daily and reports malfunction to a supervisor immediately.
• Sets up examination room, materials, and equipment including selection of appropriate grids, collimators, and compression paddles specified in equipment and procedure manuals.
• Operates mammographic and tomographic units.
• Selects and computes machine settings to compensate for such variances as patient size, age, sex, implants, and tissue density.
• Selects proper compression paddle, positions equipment at proper angle, and applies appropriate compression to breast.
• Positions the patient accurately when the patient cannot be moved, deviates from basic positioning guidelines by angulating the X-ray tube and the detector to avoid injury, discomfort, pain, or intruding the sterile field.
• Elicits the cooperation of patients by explaining the procedure and attempts to comfort those who fear mammographic examinations by providing assurance.
• Evaluates patient's condition and applies immobilizing devices when the patient is unable to cooperate for proper positioning.
• Uses equipment and lead shields, such as thyroid shields and aprons, in accordance with State requirements for radiation protection purposes.
• Assists in the clinical training of new mammography technologists and students.
• Orient new personnel to the mammography department as needed.
• Processes and completes procedures in the electronic health record and the mammography reporting system.
• Assists with patient tracking.
• Verifies and confirms proper archiving of images in the Picture Archiving and Communication System.
• Performs and documents quality control per Mammography Quality Standards Act requirements on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis and reports any malfunction or variation to the mammography manager, maintenance, or service provider.

Requirements:

• Certification as a Radiologic Technologist (CRT) issued by the State of California, Department of Public Health.
• Mammographic Radiologic Technology Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Public Health/Radiologic Health Branch.
• A current certification in accordance with the American Heart Associate's Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED) Program.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer.