GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST 1 operates x-ray and related equipment used to take and develop radiographs for the purpose of general medical, dental, and veterinary diagnostic radiology.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a two-level series. It is distinguished from the higher level by the lack of responsibility for coordinating the technological procedures of generic diagnostic radiography in a medical facility that includes radiography in diagnostic rooms and possibly with portable units. At this level there is less responsibility for quality control, including reviewing radiographs of other technologists for technical quality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Radiographic Procedures. Typical tasks: positions and immobilizes patient to obtain optimum radiograph with minimum discomfort to patient (may include restraining large animals); positions equipment in order to obtain view requested by physician or veterinary clinician for a variety of cases (e.g., gastrointestinal, oral, pediatric, multiple injury, handicapped, nonambulatory); calculates exposure factors, as necessary, using technique chart; sets control panel and takes radiograph; processes films; may radiograph postmortem specimens.
2. Records. Typical tasks: checks information pertinent to examination from patient records and referring physician or veterinary clinician; maintains patient records (e.g., verifies requisition for patient identification and physician's signature, notes size and number of films); makes examination notations on patient's chart and corresponding identification on films; may record procedures on chart for billing purposes.
3. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: cleans and disinfects equipment and work area; makes minor adjustments, does performance checks on equipment, and refers equipment problems to supervisor; demonstrates and/or instructs radiographic positioning, safe operation of equipment, and patient care to medical, veterinary, and radiologic students; reviews and critiques radiologic and veterinary students' x-rays; evaluates accuracy of students' films and progress of student; prepares contrast materials and assists physician with administration; prepares sterile trays; stocks x-ray areas with supplies; operates portable x-ray unit as required; may keep records of personnel exposure and assign monitoring devises to appropriate personnel.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular in-person contact with patients, (which may include large animals) to take radiographs; with physicians, veterinary clinicians or athletic trainers, to receive instructions, schedule patients, and assist in radiographic procedures; with students to assist in instructing and demonstrating techniques and procedures; and with nurses, animal attendants, and/or staff to help in scheduling, lifting, or restraining animal patients and to answer questions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a supervising x-ray technologist or an academic administrator. Technicians' radiographs are reviewed for accuracy and exposure factors on a daily basis by the referring physicians, professors, and other professional staff. Technique and performance are observed informally during procedures by the supervisor and/or physicians. Radiologic Technologists observe State and Federal regulations for radiation health and safety, technical manuals for aid in positioning and equipment operation, and agency policies and procedures to ensure proper patient care and maintenance radiation safety standards.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are primarily found in hospitals, clinics, health care facilities, or veterinary hospital facilities. They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location and purpose. In addition, some positions require the willingness to maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude toward mentally ill, mentally retarded, handicapped, and physically ill patients. Some positions require the willingness to work overtime, on-call, and/or rotating schedules. Some positions require the willingness to work with large animals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of an approved course of study in Radiology Technology and eligibility for certification as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with the American Registry for Radiological Technologists.