PACS Administrator
A PACS Administrator manages and maintains the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), a medical imaging technology used by hospitals and healthcare facilities.
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Sample Job Descriptions for PACS Administrator
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The PACS Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) which is pivotal for the storage and access of medical imaging data. The role involves ensuring system performance, integrity, and security, and providing support to medical staff.
Required Skills
- Strong technical and problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Commitment to continuous learning and keeping up-to-date with advancements in PACS technology.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Understanding of DICOM standards and medical imaging processes.
- Familiarity with PACS and Radiology Information Systems (RIS).
- Basic knowledge of network infrastructure, databases and data storage systems.
- Knowledge of patient privacy laws and regulations, especially HIPAA.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and maintain PACS equipment and software.
- Provide initial troubleshooting of PACS-related issues and escalate complex problems.
- Assist in implementing PACS software updates and upgrades.
- Conduct regular system checks to ensure data integrity and security.
- Collaborate with IT and radiology departments to improve the PACS workflow.
- Assist in training staff on the use of PACS technology.
- Maintain clear documentation of system configurations and procedures.
- Adhere to compliance standards and regulations related to medical imaging.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An intermediate-level PACS Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in healthcare facilities. The role involves ensuring the integrity of digital imaging storage, seamless access for medical personnel, and adherence to data security protocols.
Required Skills
- Strong technical skills with PACS and related systems.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent communication and training skills.
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
- Experience with database management and networking principles.
- Proficiency in IT security best practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Health Informatics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- 2-5 years of experience with PACS administration, preferably in a healthcare setting.
- Understanding of medical imaging modalities and workflows in radiology.
- Knowledge of healthcare IT standards, such as DICOM, HL7, and IHE.
- Familiarity with relevant data protection and privacy laws, especially HIPAA.
- Proven ability to manage projects and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of the PACS system, including image workflow, archiving, and retrieval.
- Ensure system performance by performing regular maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.
- Train medical staff on PACS usage, and provide support as needed.
- Collaborate with IT and radiology departments to enhance system functionality and integration.
- Monitor system security and ensure compliance with health data regulations, such as HIPAA.
- Coordinate with vendors for system upgrades and issue resolution.
- Develop and enforce policies for digital image handling and storage.
- Provide reports and documentation related to PACS usage and performance.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The PACS Administrator is responsible for managing and ensuring the smooth operation and integrity of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) within a healthcare organization. This role involves overseeing PACS-related workflows, upgrades, system maintenance, user training, and ensuring compliance with health informatics regulations.
Required Skills
- Technical proficiency in PACS and related technologies.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams.
- Attention to detail and commitment to patient privacy and data security.
- Analytical skills and the ability to optimize workflows.
- Service-oriented attitude with a focus on user needs and patient care.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Health Informatics, Radiology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in PACS administration or related area.
- Certification as a PACS Administrator (e.g., Certified Imaging Informatics Professional - CIIP) is preferred.
- Strong understanding of medical imaging modalities and DICOM standards.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant healthcare IT regulations and compliance (e.g., HIPAA).
- Proficient in using and maintaining PACS software and hardware.
- Experience with network server architecture, LAN/WAN, and computer systems integration in a healthcare setting.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operation of PACS systems and ensure their reliability and performance.
- Coordinate with IT and radiology departments to integrate PACS with other clinical systems.
- Implement and monitor security measures to protect patient data and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and serve as the point of contact for vendors and support services.
- Train and support clinical staff on the proper use of PACS.
- Manage system upgrades, backups, and disaster recovery procedures.
- Optimize workflows to enhance efficiency and improve patient care.
- Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations and procedures.
- Participate in the development of policies and procedures related to the imaging informatics domain.
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