PACS is an acronym that stands for Picture Archiving and Communications System. This system has changed the field of radiology, which is now completely based in digital, computer-generated images. This is an alternative to the analog film used in the past. This new system can offer timely and efficient access to the images and any data associated with the images. PACS speeds up image retrieval, distribution and image displays. The system has created the need for admininstrators.
PACS Administrator
A PACS administrator manages and ensures timely and complete capture of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) digital image data into the PACS system. The administrator manages network transmission, Radiology Information Systems validation (RIS), and exceptions handling. Exceptions handing is a programming language designed to handle the occurrence of special conditions.
Training and Education
A bachelor's degree in a related health-care discipline or information systems discipline is required. A master's degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
PACS admininstrators meet certification requirements by passing two examinations--CPAS-Technical, which tests an individual's knowledge of general technical skills; and the CPAS-Clinical, which tests an individual's knowledge of general clinical skills
Candidates must also complete and pass the Certified PACS Interface Analyst exam (CPIA) and the Certified PACS System Manager exam (CPSM).
A PACS administrator position will require four or more years of related experience in health-care project management, ideally in a large and decentralized educational hospital setting.
Position Requirements
A PACS administrator must be able to plan and implement software upgrades as necessary. He must be able to maintain security, training and have the ability to troubleshoot any PACS problems.
The administrator must maintain a productive and joint relationship with doctors, department managers and anyone in a leadership position within the hospital or clinic.
A PACS administrator will supervise training on PACS for radiologists, technicians and any other technical staff and supervise PACS support personnel.
This individual must have the ability to work well under pressure and be able to handle multiple projects at once.
Proficiency in office automation systems is required, and an administrator and must be familiar with specific radiology applications such as IDXRad software systems.
This position requires the management of department operating budgets and the administrator will be involved in the purchase of PACS.
Excellent written/oral communication skills are required and an administrator must be comfortable working with diverse groups of people.
Strong people and communications skills are the PACS administrator's most important quality.
Work Environment
A PACS administrator may work at a facility with as many as 100 to 300 beds. The average facility will do between 50,000 and 100,000 imaging procedures a year. Any facility may be a part of a network of six to 10 other facilities.
Salary
According to a survey by healthimaging.com, a PACS administrator earned between $45,000 and $80,000 a year as of 2004, with the majority of respondents falling in the $60,000 to $70,000 range.
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