CT Technologist

Overview

The CT Technologist provides technical diagnostic support in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. CT Technologists operate multi-detector CT scan equipment to capture and process images for medical diagnosis. They promote OHSU’s mission by delivering high quality, cost effective, family-oriented service and contribute to a collaborative environment by integrating education, research and clinical leadership. The CT Technologists work with infant, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients.

• Operates multi-slice CT Scanners to perform exams with accuracy and efficiency, using optimal skills and knowledge of equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to evaluate anatomy and related pathologies for presentation to the Radiologist.
• Demonstrates knowledge of CT physics & Radiation Safety.
• Exercises responsible judgment in recognizing and reporting significant situations relating to patient care.
• Prepares and instructs the patient for the diagnostic exam using age-appropriate communication skills.
• Adjusts scanning factors and patient positioning to minimize artifacts due to habitus, motion, implants, or monitoring equipment.
• Adheres to the ALARA principle while optimizing the exam to obtain high image quality with the lowest possible radiation dose.
• Performs all ranges of exams after completion of technical competencies and stays current with new CT technology hardware and software upgrades.
• Demonstrates normal and abnormal cross-sectional anatomy/pathology through scan techniques, reconstructions, and 3D post-processing.

• Verifies complete documentation of all pertinent information to provide accurate and timely service.
• Verifies imaging order and protocol in the patient’s electronic medical record.
• Identifies patients in accordance with Imaging dept. Patient Identification Policy.
• Labels images completely and accurately with patient demographics, position, or other required documentation.
• Follows through with all aspects of scanning duties to provide efficient and timely examination completion with correct data entry and billing, and verification that images are in PACS.
• Prescreens all patients for sensitivity and contraindications to contrast medications used during the imaging exam.
• Implements the correct types of contrast and injection factors on a case-by-case basis.
• Generates a CD or DVD of imaging exams as needed.

• Provides for personal and patient care and safety using professional judgment in accordance with standards to avoid injury.
• Adheres to CMS, OHA, and DNV-GL regulations and reports errors or unsafe conditions to management and the OHSU Event Reporting (Patient Safety Intelligence).
• Follows universal precautions for blood and body fluids, protecting patients and staff.
• Explains the procedure to the patient to address questions and concerns and reassure patient confidence.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
• Identifies and reports ergonomic improvements to management.
• Reports injuries to management.
• Follows established exam protocol processes.

• Completion of a JRCERT-accredited school of radiologic sciences.
• CT Technologists must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging, have an approved and valid CPR card, and have an ARRT (CT) registry. CT Technologists without an ARRT (CT) registry must be ARRT (R), ARRT (N), or NMTCB certified or ARRT (RT) registered upon hire with CT Clinical Experience documentation; and must receive CT certification by ARRT within 6 months of hire.
• Current approved BLS card from the American Heart Association.

• Proficient in IV/Angiocath starts and administration of contrast media via power injection.
• Demonstrates normal and abnormal cross-sectional anatomy/pathology through scan techniques, reconstructions, and 3D post-processing.
• Demonstrates competency in complex CT imaging and adjusts imaging parameters appropriately on a case-by-case basis.
• Good judgment, decision-making, and communication skills.

• Extensive Emergency, Trauma, and Stroke imaging experience…