Career vision for rad techs

Newly developed checklists in Northern California will help with career growth and recruitment

December 20, 2007

Recently developed self-evaluation tools will give the 900 radiology technologists in the Northern California region clear information on what their current skills are and what they need to advance.

Who can use them?

The comprehensive checklists, which will be introduced in January, evaluate the skill sets for all radiology classifications: general radiology, computed tomography (CT scan or CAT scan), mammography, and interventional radiology. The checklists were developed by the Radiology Modality Competency Committee (RMCC), a dedicated group of 28 union representatives, educators, physicians, managers, regional leaders, and radiologic technologists.

When will they be available?

The checklists have already been distributed through a variety of channels, including the radiology chiefs and different radiology peer groups. They will be introduced in January.

Dual function

For Earl Malan, UHW-SEIU, a radiologic technologist from Fresno, who drove more than three hours each way to attend monthly evening meetings in Richmond, coming up with a consistent set of skills and educational needs was important because they will help a rad tech not only move up the career ladder, but also transfer between medical centers.

"Each facility has done things differently. There was no level of consistency so an employee didn't know how their skills would translate at a different facility," said Malan. "This will standardize what technologists need to know. It will provide equal opportunities for everyone."

Need for change

In the past, advancement for union employees in radiology was based on years of service. But the career ladder that was negotiated in the last SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West contract took a different tack. Since radiology is a rapidly changing field that involves complicated and precise knowledge of equipment and technology, education and skills needed to be considered.

"When we talked with our rank-and-file members, we realized that something was missing," said Josh Wiser, UHW staff director and RMCC co-chair. "We needed to find a way to recognize the professionalism of the radiologic technology field. Now, the radiology career ladder will be based not only on the number of years of service, but experience and knowledge. This is very unique. The career ladder rewards people for actively pursing knowledge-based skill sets as well as years of seniority."

The checklists are an outgrowth of the career ladder.

"Radiologic technologists will be able to provide better patient care, be compensated fairly for their professional work and be able to climb the career ladder faster," he said.

Created in Partnership

Ronit Cook, Director of Imaging Services, Roseville, North Valley commented that the committee, with its give and take among the member, was truly the epitome of Partnership in action.

Dianne Preston, Associate Regional MGA, echoed Cook's sentiments.

"I think this work took the Partnership to a new place," Preston said. "Since there were about 15 radiologic technologists from all over the region on the Competency Committee, those doing the actual work were very involved."

Training needs considered

A representative from the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health was on the committee, so as skill sets were developed, the specific training that employees would need was also discussed, as well as the standards set by the accrediting bodies.

Aid for recruitment

Hopes are that along with helping technologists move up the career ladder, the new checklists will also aid recruitment in the future.

"Radiology procedures are the second highest volume of procedures that we do for our members. Clinicians depend on the tests for their diagnosis. This field is so dynamic, yet recruitment is difficult. These skill sets needed for the career ladder will help us stay ahead in recruiting," Preston said. "We truly have done something that has never been done before."