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Medical Imaging Technologist

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 13, 2021

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

THE SHIFT FOR THIS POSITION IS: Monday-Friday(8:00AM-4:30pm); No on-call!

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The Medical Imaging Technologist (MIT) is expected to have knowledge in diagnostic/therapeutic procedures based on current medical licensure and apply clinical experience to investigational diagnostic imaging procedures and/or investigational targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies to MDACC patients, UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) patients and Non-Human Subjects. This Technologist is a versatile individual who works effectively and efficiently with multi-disciplinary teams within multiple radiologic modalities to assure excellent customer service. The technologist must demonstrate expert skills in one or more of the specialized modalities: MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT or PET/MRI. Must maintain a working knowledge of all standard of care protocols, research specific protocols, and post-acquisition data processing procedures. Must be competent to operate independently throughout multiple modalities on a daily basis. This multimodality technologist will make safety a top priority for patients and peers by practicing MRI safety standards, ALARA (As Low As Reasonable Achievable) concepts, utilizing Image Gently and ACR standards. The MIT performs procedures as prescribed by Clinicians in coordination with DI Faculty and assists/performs patient care related tasks. Communicates and works with radiologists, physicists, clinicians, nursing staff and research sponsors to ensure high quality diagnostic procedures are performed. Provides learned experience to students, technologists, nursing, faculty and others on experiences learned with investigational diagnostic imaging procedures and/or investigational targeted radiopharmaceutical therapeutics to expand our current understanding of Oncology with the expectation of better serving our patients and making cancer history.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Technical Skills & Education:

MIT Technologists independently function in one or more of the five modalities listed on a daily basis:

Computerized Tomography (CT)
  • Assist with investigational CT based protocols
    • Diligent patient documentation of IRB specific protocol parameters
    • Responsible for updating research and clinical protocols across the institution
    • Updating MDACC CT protocols in the ACR database for classification
    • Ability to utilize 3D post processing software for clinical cases
    • Working knowledge of cross sectional anatomy
    • Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
    • Triage institutional CT based image quality reports (IQR)
    • Participate in CT subcommittees to help update and improve existing protocols
  • Demonstrate or learn MDACC standard of care CT protocols to include but limited to:
    • Body, chest, MSK, neuro, pediatric, research, and development protocols
      • Ability to use power contrast injector
      • Properly utilize bolus tracking software
    • Knowledge of contrast media and protocol specific applications
    • Awareness of contraindications to image acquisitions and contrast administration
    • Performing daily/weekly Qc and ability to identify artifacts
    • Adhere to ALARA and cognizant of minimizing dose to patient/staff

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Demonstrates the ability to supervise and instruct others on MADCC specific MRI protocols to include but not limited to:
    • Standard of Care Abdominal Imaging, MSK, Neuro, Breast, etc
    • Translation of research exams and procedures to clinical use
  • Demonstrates technical proficiency required to provide high quality exams while performing all protocols including routine/advanced, immediate care and in-patient procedures.
    • Ensures correct imaging site, positioning, annotation, and parameters.
    • Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to identify pathology, and obtain necessary diagnostic information.
    • Demonstrates understanding of MRI principles and imaging parameters that affect image quality.
    • Knowledge of contrast media and protocol specific applications
    • Awareness of contraindications to image acquisitions and contrast administration
    • Ability to utilize AW 3D post processing software
    • Diligent patient documentation of IRB specific protocol parameters
    • Responsible for updating research and clinical protocols across the institution
    • Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
    • Performing daily/weekly Qc and ability to identify artifacts

Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT)
  • Research PET radiopharmaceuticals and patient acquisitions
    • Assist with complex positron radiopharmaceutical based investigational research protocols
      • Aid with identifying potential obstacles and develop plan of action to ensure logistics are in place such as:
      • Acquiring protocol specific phantoms
      • Assist with dose calibrator nuclide cross calibration
      • Coordinating and communicating with supporting staff: medical physicist, clinicians, EKG technician, phlebotomist, nuclear pharmacist, external radio pharmacy, pK lab technician, research coordinator, etc.
      • Knowledge or short- and long-lived PET radiopharmaceuticals (i.e. 18 F, 68 Ga, 11 C, 89 Zr, etc.)
    • Utilize syringe pump for PET radiopharmaceutical administration with varying administration rates and volumes
    • Assist Authorized user with administering radiopharmaceuticals based on specific research protocol
    • Required diligent and accurate documentation of administered investigational product
    • Acquire PET image(s) based on specified research protocol at the specified time points
      • Successfully save all research acquisition as requested
      • Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
  • Demonstrate or learnMDACC specific PET/CT protocols to include but not limited to:
    • Hyper-metabolism imaging, prostate cancer imaging, somatostatin receptor imaging, and other FDA approved PET radiopharmaceuticals:
      • PET acquisition should correlate with patient specific diagnosis or disease process
        • Knowledge of contraindicated medications and proper diet based on exam
        • Patient immobilization device based PET/CT acquisitions
        • Metabolic brain imaging with multiple imaging time points
          • Rebind list mode acquired PET image to varying time points
        • Knowledge of physiological processes which may impact diagnostic image quality (i.e. Virchow's node, areas of active infection, etc.)
        • Proper image acquisition based on region(s) of interest
      • Administer oral and/or intravenous iodinated contrast as indicated
      • Capable of identifying critical examination findings and notify Radiologist or principal investigator as needed
      • Awareness of contraindications to image acquisitions and iodinated contrast administration
      • Performs required Qc and ability to identify artifacts
  • Hot lab responsibilities
    • Accurate record keeping of:
      • Dose calibrator, well counter, Geiger meter, and digital survey meter Qc and calibrations according to state regulations
      • Perform and document surveys/area wipe tests of patient care areas per state regulations
      • Identify any areas of contamination and properly address contaminated area based on quantity of specific nuclide spilled
      • Proper patient radiopharmaceutical documentation of FDA approved and investigational radiopharmaceuticals
      • Disposes of PET radiopharmaceuticals based on half life
      • Cognizant of ionizing radiation ALARA practices
      • Adhere to USP 797 and/or USP 825
  • Hot lab responsibilities
    • Accurate record keeping of:
      • Dose calibrator, well counter, Geiger meter, and digital survey meter Qc and calibrations according to state regulations
      • Perform and document surveys/area wipe tests of patient care areas per state regulations
      • Identify any areas of contamination and properly address contaminated area based on quantity of specific nuclide spilled
      • Proper patient radiopharmaceutical documentation of FDA approved and investigational radiopharmaceuticals
      • Disposes of PET radiopharmaceuticals based on half life
      • Cognizant of ionizing radiation ALARA practices
      • Adhere to USP 797 and/or USP 825

Nuclear Medicine/ Theranostic Procedures
  • Research nuclear medicine radiopharmaceuticals and patient acquisitions
    • Assist with nuclear medicine-based research protocols which exploit the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma emitting nuclides
    • Research phase of radiopharmaceutical clinical trials target a variety of diagnoses and/or disease processes and range from
      • First inhuman investigational radiopharmaceuticals
      • Phase I, II, III, and may include expansion cohorts
      • May be specific to non-human primates or other non-human subjects
    • Aid with identifying potential obstacles and develop plan of action
      • Protocol specific phantoms acquisitions
      • Dose calibrator nuclide setting calibration
      • Organize dose delivery from international, domestic, or local radio pharmacies
      • Coordinating and communicating with supporting staff including:
        • medical physicist, clinical staff, EKG technician, phlebotomist, pK lab technician, research coordinator, and the patient or research participant
      • Ability to utilize syringe and alaris pumps for radiopharmaceutical administration with varying durations and dose volumes
      • Ability or willingness to aid in administering of protocol specific pharmaceuticals
    • Familiar with varying routes of radiopharmaceutical administration such as:
      • Intravenous, intradermal, intrathecal, oral, intratumoral, intrahepatic, and via intraventricular catheter systems Specifically administer radiopharmaceuticals based on research protocol
      • Diligent and accurate documentation of administered investigational product
      • Acquire image based on specified research protocol
      • Capable of identifying critical examination findings and notify Radiologist or principal investigator as needed
      • Successfully save all research acquisition as requested
  • Radiation Safety Precautions
    • Effectively communicate and instruct patient and staff regarding radiation safety precautions based on radiopharmaceutical administered
      • Proper utilization of ADIOS radiation safety software
      • Proper medical record documentation of radiation safety precautions
      • Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
      • Knowledge of specific characteristics regarding short- and long-lived radiopharmaceuticals
  • Demonstrate or learn MADCC specific Nuclear Medicine diagnostic imaging and therapeutic protocols to include but not limited to:
    • Working knowledge of 99m Tc, 111 In, 14 C, 123 I, and 131 I nuclide based diagnostic imaging procedures to include but not limited to:
      • Oncology, GU, GI, infection, cardiothoracic, and endocrine based functional imaging
      • Ability to administer reduced dose amounts to pediatric patients based on procedure ordered
    • Working knowledge of FDA approved alpha and beta particle radiopharmaceuticals such as: 131 I-NaI, 131 I-Azedra, 177 Lu-Lutathera, 223 Ra-Dichloride, and 90 Y-microspheres
    • Can safely administer or aid in administering the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical under the direction of an authorized user
  • Hot lab Responsibilities
    • Comfortable drawing radiopharmaceuticals in a aseptic biological safety hood. Accurate record keeping of:
      • Dose calibrator, well counter, Geiger meter, and digital survey meter Qc and calibrations according to state regulations
      • Perform and document surveys/area wipe tests of patient care areas per state regulations
      • Identify any areas of contamination and properly address contaminated area based on quantity of nuclide spilled
      • Proper patient dose documentation for FDA approved radiopharmaceuticals
      • Proper patient dose documentation for investigational radiopharmaceuticals
      • Disposes of radiopharmaceuticals based on half life
      • Cognizant of ionizing radiation ALARA practices
      • Adhere to USP 797 and/or USP 825

The MIT is a representative in multiple Diagnostic Imaging Modalities. In each of imaging section (CT, MR, NM, PET/CT, PET/MR), the MIT:
  • Is responsible for provision of high-quality exams while working in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team oriented highly productive patient care environment.
  • Demonstrates competency in technical skills, teamwork, self-management, innovative thinking, self-development, communication and coaching/development. Works independently but elicits continual feedback from faculty and management.
  • Supports the Advanced MRI imaging facility, Center for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, BrainSuite, and iMRI facilities.
  • Supports the clinical MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT and PET/MR departments with advanced imaging procedures, clinical protocol updates, and training.
  • Responsible for quality assurance activities on technical equipment and collaborates with appropriate parties to resolve image quality issues.
  • Remains current on advances in technology and procedures through participation in formal training programs and required in-services (internal and external training). Performs special projects and/or duties relating to protocol development, new protocol initiatives, new techniques and instruments, and/or professional development. Collaborates on patient care and research projects with all institutional staff and sponsors.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Travel to off-site regional patient care facilities (e.g., Bellaire Imaging Center, West Houston Imaging Center, CABI, League City HAL, Woodlands HAL).


Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from an AMA-approved school of x-ray technology. Must meet all requirements of State of Texas Department of Health for medical radiologic technologists.

Required Experience: Three years of relevant experience including one year in the operation of relevant radiological equipment.

Preferred Experience: Work experience in MRI and a Siemens platform is a must! External candidates, four years of experience to include but not limited to CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT or PET/MR . Five years prior experience acquiring investigational imaging techniques according to research protocol or parameters set forth by investigator to include but not limited to CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT, and PET/MR. Prior experience with radiopharmaceutical or theranostic based clinical trials. Experience with or willingness to submit/be involved with scientific abstracts based on experience with investigational diagnostic or therapeutic procedures as coauthor or lead author.

Required License: Must have one of the following: Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) and licensure by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT). Certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) and licensure by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT). Registration by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Preferred License: (Two or more of the following):
  • Medical Radiologic Technologist license (MRT) from the Texas Medical Board
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologist in Radiology (ARRT - R) and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) in Nuclear Medicine (N) credentials or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) credentials.
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) &/or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologist in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT - MR)
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologist in Computed Tomography (ARRT - CT)
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) in Nuclear Medicine credentials, and/or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) credentials
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification in PET
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification in CT
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologist in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT - PET)

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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