What makes a successful Administrative Director of Radiology - Essay Example

What makes a successful Administrative Director of Radiology 's Number 's Table of Content 1. Introduction 1.1 Administrative Director of Radiology or the Equivalent Job Requirements 1.2 Radiologic Imaging Education Requirements 1.3 Radiologic Imaging Disciplines 1.4 Working Conditions and Compensation 1.5 Role of Radiologic Technologist 1.6 Role of Administrative Director of Radiology 1.7 Trends 1.8 Hypothesis 2. Method 2.1 Structured Survey 3. Results and Assessment 3.1 Results of Questionnaire 1 sent to administrative directors. 3.2 Results of Questionnaire 1 sent to reporting officers 4. Discussion 5. Conclusion 6. References Appendix A Survey Questions for Administrative Directors of Radiology Appendix B Survey Questions for Reporting Officers Appendix C Responses of questionnaires sent to reporting officers of administrative Directors Radiology. 1. Introduction "What makes a successful Administrative Director of Radiology" The aim of this study is to understand the basic requirements to be a successful administrative director of Radiology or equivalent in the twenty first century. Is it necessary to have experience and licensure in the field of radiology Is it important that the individual have managerial experience and higher education than an associate's degree to be successful The research is to define what makes a successful administrative director of radiology. After reading this report it will be easy to determine what makes a person a successful administrative director of radiology. 1.1 Administrative Director of Radiology or the Equivalent Job Requirements The current job market requires an administrative director of radiology or the equivalent to have a Bachelors or Master degree with 3-5 years experience as a technologist, 3-5 years of radiology supervisory experience, and to be licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Other requirements are to posses' strong leadership skills, strong customer service orientation and must be familiar with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as state and federal regulations. 1.2 Radiologic Imaging Education Requirements In the last two decades, a two-year associate degree programs were most prevalent or completion of a 24-month AMA approved School of Radiology. Previously, radiologic imaging was only viewed as a technical career, presently with all the new organizations that support technologist it is now considered a professional career due to the advanced technology in imaging over the last decade. Another reason radiologic imaging is being recognized as a professional career is the support of organizations such as; American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB), American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), and American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). A bachelor's or master's degree in one of the radiologic technologies or related to business or healthcare is desirable for administrative directors of radiology. 1.3 Radiologic Imaging Disciplines Radiologic Imaging consists of multiple disciplines such as; radiography, mammography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radiation oncology, ultrasound, bone density imaging (DEXA). Each discipline has its own specific function. Diagnostic X-ray (radiography) is an examination using electromagnetic energy beams to produce images onto film or computer. Diagnostic radiography produces and interprets high-quality images used in the diagnosis of injury and disease. CT is a computer-based imaging technique, which can display slices of the area of interest on a monitor. It is useful for imaging blood vessels and organs using contrast media to enhance them, for staging disease and planning treatment. Ultrasound is imaging using sound waves, not X-rays. It is a real-time technique which displays a moving image on the monitor as the patient is being scanned. It can be applied to many parts of the body including abdominal and pelvic organs, the breast and other soft-tissue areas, the heart and blood vessels, and it is used to monitor the health of a baby during pregnancy. MRI is another computer-based imaging technique which uses a magnetic field rather than X-rays to create an image on a monitor. Nuclear medicine is a specialty that uses radioactivity for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.This is the investigation of the human body using a gamma camera after the administration of radioactivity. A gamma camera an electronic instrument used in medical diagnostics to image the distribution of radioactive compounds in animal tissue. This radioactivity is usually in the form of a radio-pharmaceutical. Nuclear medicine images not only show anatomy, but can also display details of organ function in terms of the uptake and clearance of radio-pharmaceuticals. DEXA is one of the most significant advances in the measurement of bone mass it has been the development of bone density. DEXA can detect small changes in bone mass and can help diagnose osteoporosis at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Therapeutic radiology (also called radiation oncology) is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with radiation. High energy x-rays are used to kill the cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Therapeutic radiology may be used to cure or control cancer, or to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer. Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for the examination of breasts. Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to obtain images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body. The Radiologic Technologist (or Radiographer) is an essential member of the health care team. The patient must be accurately positioned and radiation exposure limited to the lowest levels possible while producing diagnostic quality images. The technologist understands the application of radiation and knows how to produce quality diagnostic examinations. 1.4 Working Conditions and Compensation Most full-time radiological technologists and technicians work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. They are non-exempt employees which means their compensation is based on a hourly rate, given overtime pay of not less than one and a half times their hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 each week. Administrative directors of radiology are compensated as exempt employee which is based on a salary rate and works about 45-60 hours a week. In the last two decades, a two-year associate degree programs were most prevalent. radiologic imaging technologist . Previously, radiologic imaging was only viewed as a technical career, presently with all the new organizations that support technologist it is now considered a professional career. due to the advanced technology in imaging. Another reason is the support of organizations such as; American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) , Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB), American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), and American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). A bachelor's or master's degree in one of the radiologic technologies or related to business or healthcare is desirable for administrative directors of radiology. 1.5 Role of Radiologic Technologist The primary role of radiologic technologist is to assist the radiologist in examinations used in diagnostic and surgical departments of hospitals. This involves setting exposure factors on equipment, processing film, and positioning body parts correctly for examination. Radiologic technologists are expected to demonstrate nursing skills appropriate to patient care during radiography and knowledge of radiation protection, which will allow them to protect themselves, patients, and others from unnecessary radiation exposure. 1.6 Role of Administrative Director of Radiology The role of Administrative Director of Radiology provides all the traditional administrative leadership support including, departmental operations and regulation standards are in compliance of the organizations. To implement the policy and procedure changes within the department and the organization. Oversees department personnel, including technicians, technologists, clinical supervisors, clerical and scheduling staff. Helps in developing the business plan for new services and provide feedback regarding the strategic plan for the organization's next three years. Manages department budgets and works collaboratively with financial services and the reporting officers. Assures compliance with regulatory agencies such as; Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Department of Health (DOH) and accreditation societies, specific to each discipline. In addition, overseeing the purchasing activities, during vendor negotiations of contracts and for purchases, services, capital equipment, and maintenance contracts. 1.7 Trends In the past, the trend to become an administrative director of radiology was to be promoted from technologist to supervisor to administrative director of radiology. The current trend is to have radiologic experience and to encompass advanced education such as Bachelors, Master or even a Ph.D. degree related to health care or business to be a successful administrative director of radiology. After researching the job market through multiple web sites the requirements are to have multiple years of experience as well as a formal education is highly recommended. Diagnostic radiologic imaging is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and long-term career prospects include management. 1.8 Hypothesis With this preliminary information available it is hypothesized that to be a successful administrative director of radiology one must have ample amount of experience in management, radiologic imaging and formal education with a bachelors degree or master's degree. For ascertaining the qualities and basic requirements to become a successful administrative radiology a structured survey has been conducted 2. Method For getting desired results two diverse type of questionnaires have been developed to gather first hand knowledge for the directly related persons. 2.1 Structured Survey This structured survey with two diverse types of survey questions was sent to the administrative directors of radiology or equivalent and their Reporting Officers. The survey questions for the administrative directors of radiology consisted of their demographic, education and work history. The questions were closed ended questions. For details of questions please see Appendix A. The survey questions for the reporting officers are more specific to the performance of administrative directors of radiology. The questions to the reporting officers are designed in such a way that they help in understanding the criteria that makes a successful or unsuccessful administrator. These questions are consist of close ended questions and several open ended questions. The survey was sent to the individuals via email to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The individuals selected were chosen randomly from the members list on the AHRA web site and various hospitals. For details of questions please see Appendix B 3. Results and Assessment After getting answers from all the required person data was compiled for determining, the required results. The response of administrative directors gives us idea about basic qualification and experience of those people who are working on these positions of administrative director radiology or equivalent. It also gives information about the promotional processes in this field. 3.1 Results of Questionnaire 1 sent to administrative directors. 12 questions were sent to the persons currently working on the position of administrative director or equivalent. About 61 respondents answered the questions. The summarized results are given below. 1. In response to question 1 show that people are working for longer period of time on this position. Results show that 34.4 % directors are working on their current position for 13 to 20 years. Whereas 29.5 are working on their current position for 6 to 12 years. 2. In response to question 2 the results show that there is tendency of changing employer quite frequently. 59% respondents have changed the employer in less than 5 years period. 3. Responses to question 3, 4 & 5 show that majority of respondents is working in non-profit hospitals and is working in multiple fields of expertise and majority of them supervises more that 40 technologists. 4. Responses to question 6 & 7 show that majority of directors are registered or credentialed in the field of Radiography. 5. Response to question 8 shows that 42% directors possess a Masters degree or equivalent and 41% directors possess Bachelors degree. 6. Response to question 9 shows majority of directors is directly appointed to current position only 34% were promoted to this position. 7. In response to question 10 & 11overwhelming majority of the respondents feel that it is important to be registered/credentialed and experienced for this position. 3.2 Results of Questionnaire 2 sent to reporting officer of administrative directors Radiology. 1. Six questions were sent to the reporting officer with multiple answers and choices. The first question is quite extensive and comprehensive. In this opinion of reporting officers of administrative directors radiology was sought regarding various leadership and management qualities present in administrative director Radiology. The response of reporting officer was quite interesting and revealing. All the responses are present in Appendix C but because of its importance it is reproduced here for the perusal of readers. One thing is most important to note that most of reporting officers have similar opinions. Majority of them thinks that these leadership, management and financial skills are important or very important for administrative directors but only few thinks against it. The details of the responses of reporting officers are given below that is self-explaining. 1. How important are the following leadership/management qualities for administrative directors of radiology or the equivalent Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not Important Response Total Financial Management Skills 26 13 0 0 39 Interpersonal Skills 33 6 0 0 39 Decision Making Ability 29 10 0 0 39 Technical Knowledge/Experience 16 19 4 0 39 Staff Development 8 27 3 0 38 Strong Customer Skills 30 9 0 0 39 Organizational Skills 23 14 2 0 39 Strategic Thinking Skills 26 9 4 0 39 Team Building 24 14 1 0 39 Listening Skills 26 12 0 0 38 Public Speaking Ability 4 25 7 3 39 Networking 8 19 11 1 39 Time Management Skills 17 17 5 0 39 Multitasking 26 9 4 0 39 Adaptable to Change 26 12 0 0 38 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 2. Similarly in response to question 2 the reporting officers have identical views. Most of them think that administrative directors of Radiology should be registered or credentialed and they should be highly qualified in their field of expertise. 3. Response to question 3 is also very interesting it says that overwhelming majority of administrative directors were imaging or radiation therapy technologists before assuming this position. 4. In response to question 4 & 5 majority of reporting officers say that the administrative director Radiology should have prior experience and they are mostly promoted from the position of technologists to this position. 5. In response to question 6 most of reporting officer are of the view that the administrative director should be a registered radiologic or imaging technologist. 4. Discussion It was a general trend in the past that, a radiology administrative director or equivalent required to be a registered radiology technologist RT(R). In the last decade radiology has umbrella under radiologic imaging technology in various disciplines with registered technologist. The disciplines include radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, cardiovascular interventional radiography, mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, quality management, sonography, bone densitometry, vascular sonography, cardiac intervention radiography, vascular-interventional radiography, breast sonography, radiologist assistants and emerging modalities. During current research it was found that many radiology technologist were promoted to managers. It has been question it is possible for a radiology technologist to be a successful manager of radiology Ingle B (2001) states that many organizations are not satisfied with the performance of their first line managers. According to Nielson (1995) radiology administrators face two dilemmas in preparing for the future of upgrading skills of those currently employed and ensuring that future employees are prepared to succeed. Some of the skills needed included are self learning, flexibility and accommodations to change and developing communication and interpersonal skills, customer service and decision making. Rubenzer B (1997) states that one of the major dilemmas of being promoted from technologist to management is interacting with people who were previously their peers. He believes that years ago most technologists advanced from staff level to director in this way. Hospital CEOs say managers need specialized skills to survive market (9), it states the radical shift in health care financing and delivery has altered the way that managers are evaluated. Five years ago, success was defined in terms of filling beds and increasing inpatient revenue and service volume. However, managers today are evaluated on quality and cost- effectiveness of care, management of fixed resources and improving the health status of defined populations. A MBA, MHA or other advanced degree is essential for today's health care manager. Conclusion With the past and present information provided, the hypothesis that if one want to be a successful administrative director of radiology he/she must have management education, experience and radiologic experience to be successful. The responses of reporting officers clearly suggest that a successful administrative Radiology: Should have adequate leadership and management qualities as described in the questionnaire. should be registered or credentialed and they should be highly qualified in their field of expertise. Should have a back ground of imaging or radiation therapy technologists before assuming this position. Should be a registered radiologic or imaging technologist. References 1. Canter D; Nettles M. Dieticians as multidepartment managers in healthcare, J AM Diet Assoc. 2003 Feb;103(2):237-40 2. McConnell CR. The health care professional as a manager: finding the critical balance in a dual role, Health Care Manager (HEALTH CARE MANAGER), Mar2002;20(3):1-10 3. Ingle B, From R.T. to entry level manager: how to climb the clinical ladder. American Hospital Radiology Administrators, Sudbury, MA: 2001 May-Jun;23(3): 46-50 4. Rubenzer B. From technologist to manager, Radiology management, Volume 19 Issue 3, 1997;15-6 5. Ferdinand M. Radiology: an opportunity waiting to happen. Journal of health materiel management. 1991 May; 9(4):14, 16, 20-2. 6. Cooper MJ; Corley d; Dehner BL; Whaley C. Survey of interest in multicredentialed R.T.s.. American Society of Radiologic Technologist, Albuquerque Nm, 1999 Jan -Feb; 70(3):251-6 7. Reichert M; Schultz JK. The successful central service manager. OR manager, 2000 Oct;16(10):34 8. Fields T. Welborn RB. Executive directors and community health centers--facing the healthcare transition. Journal of Health Administration Education. 17(3):211-26, 1999. 9. Author not available. Hospital CEOs say managers need specialized skills. Health Care Strategic Management, 1994 May;12(5):9 10. Yoder E. A clinical ladder for diagnostic radiology. Radiology Management. 2001 Jan-Feb:23(1):33-4 11. McConnell CR. Motivating your employees and yourself:: how different is the manager from the staff , Health Care Manager (HEALTH CARE MANAGER), Jul-sep2005; 24:284-92 (4 ref). 12. Price RC. Longitudinal changes in extended roles in radiography. Radiography (London, England : 1995) 2002:8(4):223 Appendix A Survey Questions for Administrative Directors of Radiology 1. How many years have you held a position as an Administrative Director of Radiology 2. How many years have you held your current position as an Administrative Director of Radiology at your current employer. 3. What is your current employment setting a. Hospital (Not-for-profit) b. Clinic/Physician's Office c. Hospital (For Profit) d. Imaging Center/Outpatient Imaging Facility e. Government/V.A. Hospital 4. In what modalities in Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging are you the Administrative Director of Radiology a. General Radiography b. Radiation Therapy c. MRI d. CT e. Ultrasound f. PACS g. Nuclear Medicine h. Other 5. How many FTE's do you direct 6. Are you registered or credentialed in Radiologic Imaging 7. In which of the following discipline or specialties are you credentialed a. General Radiography b. Radiation Therapy c. MRI d. CT e. Ultrasound f. PACS g. Nuclear Medicine h. Mammography i. Cardiovascular j. Other 8. Education/Degree levels have you acquire a. High School + Certificate Program b. Associates Degree c. Bachelor's Degree d. Master's Degree e. Doctoral Degree f. Other Education 9. Were you promoted from technologist or supervisory position to an Administrative Director of Radiology at your present employment If yes, please explain briefly 10. Do you feel it is important for an Administrative Director of Radiology to be a registered Radiology Technologist (RT) 11. Do you feel it is important for an Administrative Director of Radiology to be registered in radiologic imaging For example: RDMS, RVT, CNMT 12. Do you feel it is not important to have Radiology experience, to be a successful Administrative Director of Radiology Appendix B Survey Questions for Reporting Officers What makes a successful Administrative Director of Radiology Scale: 1=not important to 5=very important Strongly Disagree 1 Disagree 2 Neutral 3 Agree 4 Strongly Agree 5 Leadership/Management Qualities Financial Management Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Interpersonal Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Decision Making Ability 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Knowledge/Experience 1 2 3 4 5 Staff Development 1 2 3 4 5 Strong Customer Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Organizational Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Strategic Thinking Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Team Building 1 2 3 4 5 Listening Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Public Speaking Ability 1 2 3 4 5 Networking 1 2 3 4 5 Time Management Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Multitasking 1 2 3 4 5 Adaptable to Change 1 2 3 4 5 Education/Credentials RT credentialed 1 2 3 4 5 Radiologic Imaging Credentialed or Registered 1 2 3 4 5 Bachelors Degree 1 2 3 4 5 Master's Degree 1 2 3 4 5 Doctorate or PhD 1 2 3 4 5 Questions: 1. Was your Administrative Director of Radiology promoted from your existing staff 2. Was your Administrative Director of Radiology promoted from technologist or supervisory position to an Administrative Director of Radiology at your present employment If yes, please explain briefly 3. Do you feel it is important for an Administrative Director of Radiology to be a registered Radiology Technologist (RT) 4. Do you feel it is important for an Administrative Director of Radiology to be registered in radiologic imaging For example: RDMS, RVT, CNMT. 5. Do you feel it is not important to have a Radiology background to be a successful Administrative Director of Radiology Appendix C Responses of questionnaires sent to reporting officers of administrative directors Radiology How important are the following leadership/management qualities for administrative directors of radiology or the equivalent Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not Important Response Total Financial Management Skills 26 13 0 0 39 Interpersonal Skills 33 6 0 0 39 Decision Making Ability 29 10 0 0 39 Technical Knowledge/Experience 16 19 4 0 39 Staff Development 8 27 3 0 38 Strong Customer Skills 30 9 0 0 39 Organizational Skills 23 14 2 0 39 Strategic Thinking Skills 26 9 4 0 39 Team Building 24 14 1 0 39 Listening Skills 26 12 0 0 38 Public Speaking Ability 4 25 7 3 39 Networking 8 19 11 1 39 Time Management Skills 17 17 5 0 39 Multitasking 26 9 4 0 39 Adaptable to Change 26 12 0 0 38 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 How important are the following education/credentials qualifications for administrative directors of radiology or the equivalent Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not Important Response Average Registered technologist (ARRT 20 16 2 1 1.59 ARDMS NMTCB) Registered technologist (Other) 3 18 6 6 2.45 Bachelor's Degree 19 13 6 0 1.66 Master's Degree (MS MBA M.Ed. etc.) 8 11 13 6 2.45 Professional Degree (MD JD etc.) 0 0 5 32 3.86 Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. Ed.D. etc.) 0 1 6 30 3.78 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 What was the primary professional/educational background of your current administrative director of radiology prior to assuming his or her role Response Total Imaging or radiation therapy 34 technologists Nurses 0 Other health professionals 4 Other non-health professionals 0 Total Respondents 38 (skipped this question) 1 Do you feel it is important to have radiology experience to be a successful administrative director of radiology or equivalent. Response Total Yes 35 No 4 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 Was your administrative director of radiology promoted from radiology to an administrative director of radiology Response Total Yes 28 No 11 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 Do you feel it is important for an administrative director of radiology to be a registered radiologic or imaging technologist Response Total Yes 31 No 8 Total Respondents 39 (skipped this question) 0 Read More