Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for X-Ray Program Consultant

💰 $95,000 - $150,000

RadiologyHealthcareConsultingClinical QualityDiagnostic Imaging

🎯 Role Definition

The X-Ray Program Consultant is a clinical and technical subject-matter expert who designs, implements and sustains enterprise-level x‑ray imaging programs. This role partners with radiology leadership, medical physics, clinical operations and vendors to optimize image quality and patient safety, ensure regulatory compliance, standardize imaging protocols, reduce dose (ALARA), implement QA/QC processes, and deliver measurable operational improvements across facilities.

Key focus areas include radiation safety and dose monitoring, equipment acceptance & performance testing, Protocol and workflow optimization for diagnostic and interventional x‑ray modalities, PACS/RIS/DICOM integration, accreditation readiness (ACR, The Joint Commission, CMS), vendor oversight and staff training.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Radiologic Technologist / Lead X‑Ray Technologist
  • Radiology Quality Assurance or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
  • Clinical Applications Specialist for imaging equipment

Advancement To:

  • Director of Imaging Services / Radiology Operations Director
  • Regional Imaging Quality Director / Program Director - Diagnostic Imaging
  • Senior Clinical Consultant, Imaging Informatics or Medical Physics Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • PACS Administrator / Imaging Informatics Specialist
  • Clinical Education Manager / Imaging Trainer
  • Vendor Application Specialist / Clinical Solutions Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, lead and sustain an enterprise x‑ray quality and safety program that aligns with organizational goals, reduces patient dose across modalities, and meets regulatory and accreditation standards (ACR, The Joint Commission, CMS).
  • Conduct comprehensive program assessments and gap analyses for x‑ray services across facilities, producing prioritized action plans with timelines, ROI estimates and clear success metrics.
  • Design, implement and continuously improve QA/QC protocols, acceptance testing, preventive maintenance verification and performance trending for radiographic, fluoroscopic and interventional x‑ray equipment.
  • Serve as the radiation safety subject-matter expert: develop ALARA-based policies, lead radiation protection initiatives, maintain dose registries, and manage radiation exposure incident investigations.
  • Standardize imaging protocols (exposure parameters, positioning, fluoroscopy frame rates, automatic exposure control settings) across modalities and vendors to ensure consistent image quality and optimize dose.
  • Lead acceptance testing, commissioning and performance verification for new x‑ray equipment purchases, including digital radiography (DR), flat panel systems, C‑arms and hybrid suites, coordinating clinical engineers and vendors.
  • Oversee PACS/RIS/DICOM workflow integration and image management policies to ensure seamless image availability, correct metadata, consistent hanging protocols and interoperability with EMR.
  • Implement and maintain dose monitoring systems (DoseWatch, Radimetrics or equivalent), analyze dose metrics and produce actionable reports to reduce unnecessary exposures and benchmark against national standards.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary stakeholders (radiologists, technologists, medical physicists, maintenance, IT, infection control) to deliver program initiatives on schedule and within budget.
  • Manage vendor relationships and service contracts, lead product evaluations and proof-of-concept testing, negotiate equipment purchase and maintenance agreements with clinical and technical justification.
  • Prepare and present executive-level briefings, performance dashboards and accreditation documentation to clinical leadership and regulatory bodies.
  • Develop and deliver competency-based education, simulation and hands-on training programs for technologists and physicians on imaging protocols, radiation safety, new equipment and quality best practices.
  • Lead accreditation readiness activities and mock surveys, compile documentation, remediate findings and maintain ongoing compliance with ACR, state radiologic regulations and Joint Commission requirements.
  • Create and manage standardized operating procedures, clinical pathways and checklists for x‑ray exams and interventional procedures to reduce variability and improve patient outcomes.
  • Implement image quality assessment programs including phantom testing, image review rounds and peer review processes in collaboration with radiologists and medical physicists.
  • Perform root cause analysis for quality incidents and equipment failures; implement corrective and preventive actions and monitor effectiveness over time.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to optimize throughput, reduce repeat rates and improve patient experience in radiology departments.
  • Support procurement teams with technical specifications, clinical requirements and acceptance criteria for new imaging purchases and upgrades.
  • Maintain knowledge of evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards; update institutional policies and staff training accordingly.
  • Act as a point-of-contact during equipment outages and urgent quality events, coordinating technical and clinical resources to minimize service disruption.
  • Lead pilot implementations for new imaging technologies and clinical programs, measure performance, scale successful pilots and ensure sustainable change management.
  • Conduct site visits and remote audits to ensure consistent program implementation and provide hands-on mentoring to site-based staff.
  • Develop clinical decision support and exam ordering guidance in partnership with referring clinicians to reduce inappropriate imaging and improve utilization.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in exam volumes, repeat rates, dose variance and equipment performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's imaging data strategy and roadmap, including data governance for dose indices, QA metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Collaborate with business units and IT to translate clinical needs into engineering and informatics requirements for PACS, RIS and imaging device integrations.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies when implementing software or informatics projects affecting imaging workflows.
  • Assist in budgeting and capital planning for imaging equipment lifecycle management and technology refresh initiatives.
  • Mentor junior staff, technologists and new site leads on quality program practices and regulatory expectations.
  • Develop patient-facing educational materials about radiation safety and the benefits/risks of x‑ray imaging.
  • Support multidisciplinary committees (radiation safety committee, imaging governance) and drive consensus on clinical standards and policies.
  • Maintain inventory and lifecycle documentation for x‑ray equipment and accessories across sites.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expertise in radiation safety principles and regulatory compliance (ALARA, NRC/state regulations, Joint Commission, ACR).
  • Proven experience implementing and maintaining dose monitoring systems (e.g., DoseWatch, Radimetrics) and analyzing dose metrics.
  • Strong knowledge of QA/QC methodologies for DR/CR, fluoroscopy, C‑arm and interventional imaging equipment, including acceptance testing and phantom measurements.
  • Proficiency with PACS, RIS, DICOM standards, HL7 integration and image workflow optimization.
  • Experience with imaging protocol development and standardization (kVp, mAs, exposure index, fluoroscopy pulse rates).
  • Familiarity with medical physics collaboration, acceptance testing protocols (AAPM guidelines), and equipment performance verification.
  • Vendor management and contract negotiation experience for imaging equipment procurement and service agreements.
  • Ability to use analytics and reporting tools (Excel advanced functions, SQL, Tableau/Power BI) to create dashboards and KPIs for imaging programs.
  • Knowledge of clinical workflow mapping, Lean or Six Sigma methods applied to radiology operations and throughput optimization.
  • Experience preparing accreditation documentation and leading surveys for ACR, The Joint Commission and CMS.
  • Practical experience with image quality assessment tools and processes, including radiologist-driven image review programs.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity and data privacy considerations for imaging systems and DICOM image handling.

Soft Skills

  • Clear, persuasive communicator able to tailor messages to clinicians, technologists, IT and executive audiences.
  • Strong stakeholder management and consensus-building skills across clinical, technical and administrative teams.
  • Leadership and team development capability; mentors and upskills cross-functional teams.
  • Project management discipline with ability to drive multi-site initiatives to completion on time and on budget.
  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail and ability to synthesize clinical and technical data into actionable recommendations.
  • Adaptability and comfort leading change in fast-paced hospital environments.
  • Strong presentation skills and experience briefing senior leadership and governing boards.
  • Problem-solver who can lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Customer-service orientation when partnering with clinical teams and external vendors.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance competing program demands and urgent incidents.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in Radiologic Technology or equivalent clinical training with active ARRT (or equivalent) registration and state licensure.
  • OR Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Sciences, Medical Imaging, or related clinical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Radiologic Sciences, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering or Business Administration.
  • Advanced certification such as Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA), Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA), Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), or Lean/Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Radiologic Technology / Radiography
  • Medical Physics
  • Healthcare Administration / Health Informatics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Quality & Safety / Clinical Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5 – 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in diagnostic imaging or radiology operations, including hands-on technologist experience and program-level quality or safety leadership.

Preferred: 7+ years leading radiology quality, radiation safety or imaging informatics programs in multi-hospital systems, with demonstrated success managing cross-functional projects, vendor relationships, accreditation readiness and enterprise protocol standardization.

Explore More Careers