Department/Unit:
Adult Cardiac Cath Lab
Work Shift:
Day (United States of America)
Salary Range:
$70,068.00 - $108,605.00
The Interventional Radiology Technologist I (CVIT I) offers radiologic technologists an opportunity to take their imaging expertise into the fast-paced and highly specialized field of invasive cardiovascular care. Working within Albany Medical Center's high-acuity Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, they participate in a structured, competency-based orientation that builds upon existing radiologic technology skills while developing new expertise in cardiovascular imaging, hemodynamic monitoring, procedural support, cardiac catheterization equipment, and progressively advanced procedural responsibilities.
As a regional referral and academic medical center, Albany Med provides the opportunity to work with a diverse and complex cardiovascular patient population and experience some of the most advanced cardiovascular care performed in the region. Interventional Radiology Technologist
I's are directly involved in the care of patients undergoing acute STEMI intervention, coronary procedures, structural heart interventions, mechanical circulatory support, and other advanced cardiovascular therapies while working alongside experienced cardiovascular technologists, nurses, interventional cardiologists, structural heart specialists, and trainees.
No previous cardiac catheterization laboratory experience is required. For radiologic technologists looking to move beyond traditional diagnostic imaging and develop a highly specialized procedural skill set, the Interventional Radiology Technologist
I position provides a supported pathway into invasive cardiology while continuing to build upon the imaging expertise that is central to the profession. As experience and competency grow, so do opportunities for procedural independence, expanded cardiovascular expertise, and advancement within the Medical Imaging Technologist career pathway.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Participates in a structured, competency-based Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory orientation designed to build upon the technologist's radiologic imaging foundation while developing the clinical and procedural skills required for invasive cardiovascular care. Progression of responsibilities is based on demonstrated competency and successful completion of departmental evaluations.
- Provides radiologic imaging support during cardiovascular procedures in accordance with New York State requirements, established radiation-safety principles, and departmental standards. Develops competency in cardiovascular imaging techniques, angiographic positioning, radiation dose optimization, image acquisition and quality, and the safe use of cardiovascular imaging systems within the established scope of practice. Performs applicable independent imaging procedures, including mechanical prosthetic valve fluoroscopy, under appropriate physician supervision with physician review and approval of acquired images.
- Develops competency in cardiac catheterization laboratory workflow, Epic procedural documentation, McKesson hemodynamic monitoring, cardiovascular anatomy and hemodynamics, procedural equipment and supplies, and sterile technique. Learns to recognize and communicate relevant changes in cardiac rhythm, hemodynamic status, and patient condition within the established scope of the role.
Develops knowledge of diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular equipment and supplies and learns to appropriately identify, prepare, and incorporate equipment based on patient and procedural needs. Demonstrates progressive ability to anticipate procedural needs as knowledge and competency develop. - Progresses from imaging, hemodynamic monitoring, and procedural support responsibilities to supervised scrub training with a designated preceptor, beginning with diagnostic cardiac catheterization and limited interventional procedures. Scrub responsibilities advance based on demonstrated competency and departmental validation.
- Completes required training and competency validation necessary to obtain New York State certification for intravascular contrast administration and performs contrast-related responsibilities only after applicable certification and competency requirements have been met.
- Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory team in the delivery of safe and efficient patient care while developing the competencies necessary for independent practice and continued advancement within the Medical Imaging Technologist career pathway.
- Participation in the emergency on-call rotation is required following successful completion of orientation and validation of required procedural and emergency-response competencies. Prior to independent call participation, the Interventional Radiology Technologist I completes a shadow call period to become familiar with departmental emergency workflows and expectations. Following successful completion, the Interventional Radiology Technologist I participates as a member of the emergency on-call team during STEMI and other time-sensitive cardiovascular emergencies within the established scope of the role.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology or qualifying Medical Imaging program. - required
- Previous cardiovascular, acute-care, procedural, or interventional imaging experience - preferred
- Strong understanding of radiologic imaging principles and cardiovascular anatomy
- Knowledge of fluoroscopic imaging and radiation safety practices
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to anticipate procedural needs and respond to emergent situations
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification must be obtained within the timeframe - required for continued New York State licensure. Upon Hire - required
- Licensed Radiologic Technologist Current license and registration or eligibility to practice under a valid New York State temporary permit - required upon hire. Upon Hire - required
- BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire - required
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Within 180 Days - preferred
- ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support within 180 Days - required
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Physical Demands
- Standing - Constantly
- Walking - Constantly
- Sitting - Rarely
- Lifting - Frequently
- Carrying - Frequently
- Pushing - Occasionally
- Pulling - Occasionally
- Climbing - Occasionally
- Balancing - Occasionally
- Stooping - Frequently
- Kneeling - Frequently
- Crouching - Frequently
- Crawling - Occasionally
- Reaching - Frequently
- Handling - Frequently
- Grasping - Frequently
- Feeling - Constantly
- Talking - Constantly
- Hearing - Constantly
- Repetitive Motions - Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly
Working Conditions
- Extreme cold - Rarely
- Extreme heat - Rarely
- Humidity - Rarely
- Wet - Rarely
- Noise - Constantly
- Hazards - Frequently
- Temperature Change - Rarely
- Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
- Vibration - Rarely
