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PACS administrator jobs require technical and medical knowledge to manage servers and workstations, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and train others to use the system. Certifications are available for different tasks, and support personnel roles do not require certification. A bachelor’s degree in medicine or technology and work experience in the medical field are preferred.
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) administrator jobs have become increasingly important as technology has evolved. Most PACS administrator jobs are in hospitals, although there may also be positions in specialty medical offices. PACS administrators must have technical and medical knowledge and skills to properly perform required job tasks. The different PACS administrator jobs include certified positions such as associates, interface analysts, system analysts and system managers, as well as various types of support personnel.
The PACS system speeds up the time it takes to retrieve and distribute an image, such as an X-ray, because all images are digital. PACS administrators manage the servers and workstations on PACS systems and must monitor the system, manage image storage, troubleshoot and resolve issues. PACS administrator jobs also require knowledge of quality control, security, and how to train others to properly use the system. They must also enter digital image data into the system or database. Familiarity with digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICM) and radiology information systems (RIS) is also important.
PACS administrator jobs are most common in hospital radiology departments. These administrators may also work in cardiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy departments, to name a few. Some PACS administrator jobs tie directly into hospital information technology (IT) departments because technology is a core aspect of the job.
There are several types of certifications for different PACS administrator tasks, and each certification requires a slightly different set of skills and knowledge. A Certified PACS Interface Analyst (CPIA) is responsible for integrating and connecting the PACS and RIS systems. This is a highly technical position.
The highest PACS certification is the PACS System Manager (CPSM) certificate. This certification builds on the CPIA and CPSA certifications. A Certified PACS System Analyst (CPSA) should have a general understanding of the components of the PACS system and should understand clinical and system administrator roles. A PACS Certified Associate (CPA) should have a general understanding of clinical technology and procedures.
In addition to specific certifications, other PACS administrator jobs include support personnel. These jobs can also be specialized but do not require certification. Many hospitals or institutions that employ PACS administrators prefer that the employee have a bachelor’s degree in medicine or technology and may also prefer some type of work experience in the medical field. There are schools and programs that focus specifically on medical technology education, and this is where an aspiring PACS administrator can receive training for various PACS administrator jobs.
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