PACS Administrator

Purpose of Job

The PACS Administrator is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and optimization of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and related imaging systems. This role ensures seamless integration between imaging modalities, radiology information systems (RIS), electronic medical records (EMR), and other clinical systems. The PACS Administrator works closely with radiologists, technologists, IT staff, and vendors to ensure high system availability, image quality, and workflow efficiency.

Job Functions

Job Functions

• Manages day-to-day operations of the PACS, including system maintenance, user access, troubleshooting, and data reconciliation.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and facilitates quality and process improvement initiatives.
• Recommend and facilitate implementation of process and system improvements to ensure maximum benefit from systems.
• Coordinate system changes and upgrades with IT services team, operational leaders, and system end-users.
• Coordinate 24 hour, 7 days a week user assistance
• Train new users and develop training plans. Develop system manuals and quick-reference guides; assist users in using reference and resource materials, and in becoming self-sufficient with minor troubleshooting.
• Ensure proper system testing for changes, new releases, etc., both within and outside radiology.
• Configure, assign, maintain, and document user access, user profiles and system configurations.
• Maintain data integrity, consistency, and patient privacy.
• Install, configure, and maintain PACS software systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with other healthcare IT professionals to integrate PACS with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other clinical applications for seamless data exchange.
• Monitor system performance and implement optimizations to ensure fast and reliable access to medical images. Interface with vendor(s) as necessary.
• Provide technical support and training to radiologists, technologists, and other medical staff on the use of the PACS system for image interpretation and diagnosis.
• Implement and enforce security measures to protect patient data and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards set forth by state and federal agencies as well as accreditation bodies.
• Manages and maintains PACS associated systems, including DICOM RIS, and VNA systems.
• Maintains positive working relationships and serves as a liaison between the radiology department, providers, health care professionals, and external partnerships in the areas of problem solving, remedying of errors and discrepancies, informational requests related to PACS, EMR and related systems.
• Identifies, investigates and partners with clinical informatics to define and implement solutions to EMR operational problems in clinical areas
• Leads EMR training for all imaging department users and ensures continuous education is provided to maintain department efficiency.
• Serve as the primary support liaison for all imaging applications to include voice recognition dictation system, coordinating with vendors and internal IT teams to resolve complex issues and ensure seamless workflow.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of business workflows, RIS and imaging.
• Knowledge of HL7 and DICOM communication standards and integration techniques.
• Demonstrates excellent written/verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with excellent communication, time management and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in managing, troubleshooting, and configuring PACS hardware and software systems.
• Strong understanding of medical imaging data management principles, including storage, organization, and retrieval.
• Knowledge of radiographic technology and applications.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements, including HIPAA and quality assurance.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across clinical, technical, and vendor teams.
• Attention to detail and critical thinking skills to address complex technical and operational issues.
• Ability to operate independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse teams, including healthcare professionals and external vendors.
• Capability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Minimum Education/Experience

• Associate's degree in a related field
• 5 years' experience in information technology, PACS administration and/or imaging services and/or radiology operations
• Experience with PACS and teleradiology processes and equipmen
• Experience with RIS and PACS system integration projects, implementations and operational processes
• Well versed in information technology, with an emphasis in PACS administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• ARRT or Radiology Licensure
• Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) or certificate from PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA)

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