How to Become A PACS Administrator 2 - Step by Step Guide

[@dhalsim117]

Finally some good content on PACS! I'm currently an EMR analyst and have a couple of projects with our Radiology team coming up - these videos are really helping me see a fuller picture on how the system works.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you Choeying Tenzin! Happy to see that you are able to use this information in your career!

[@dawnheyward1608]

Hello are you looking for analyst

[@lintlickerrr]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your videos! I'm definitely person A. I've been working as a x-ray technologist for five years now and recently have become interested in looking into becoming a PACS administrator. I've been trying to find information on transitioning into PACS but just keep feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Your videos are very informative and really help me have a much more clear understanding of the day to day operations and what is needed to get into this career. You just got a new subscriber :)

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thanks for the feedback Trey! Really fulfilling to know we can provide value with these videos. The process can be discouraging at times but what you're doing is a step in the right direction. For some it can be an uphill battle and for others they could simply get lucky. I think the Imaging Informatics book is a good start for you. There's a ton of free videos on KZbin we can recommend as well. Stay tuned to our site PACSBootcamp.com for more material as it's still being updated. Also feel free to request what type of content you'd like to see so we can help you along your way. Best of luck sir.

[@albertsanchez7611]

Loved the video! I started as a front desk patient registration rep. Then, after a few year's I became a MRI Tech assistant. Did that for 5 years. Learn a whole lot. Then a opening became available in my IS department. Spent 3 years there and now I'm a PACS Administrator. Starting my jouto get my CIIP cert.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Love this story. It's the rag to riches of a healthcare employee. 😃 Earning your way up from the trenches! Best of luck with your CIIP cert and beyond. Go all the way to VP then CEO sir. 🫡

[@dawnheyward1608]

Thanks for sharing I'm an analyst who just supported PACS. This has added to my knowledge

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you for your feedback Dawn!

[@シーズー一匹]

Thank you for uploading videos. As a PACS system operator, I often struggle with clinical questions by doctors when some DICOM parameter of values found in doubt and face hardship to scrutinize them correct or not since I don't have enough clinical knowledge even working in this industry almost 10 years.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

I think that's totally okay. Don't be afraid to ask doctors to rephrase or simplify their question. You didn't go to medical school. You don't expect the doctor to understand that enabling DHCP can cause connection issues to PACS on their thick clients. So, they shouldn't expect you to have full clinical context. Personally I think being honest and up front with your own limitations can build trust in a conversation with doctors. You may also feel more relieved to admit what you don't know because you then create an opportunity to learn.

[@nadiadomingoselebedi]

Thanks for this. I'm person A. I applied for a PACs Administrator job, I'm in the process of prepping for the interview but really felt overwhelmed with the networking aspect. I wasnt sure how I was going to learn networking. I've looked into CCNA and ComptIA but honestly wasnt sure which one I should do. Very helpful videos keep up the good work.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Yes the feeling can be overwhelming. Although it helps, you don't necessarily need to obtain a networking certification. Most institutions have a dedicated networking department. In the very least, the PACS administrator should have enough basic understanding to communicate complex issues between the application vendor and the hospital networking department. For example, you'd need to know what an IP address and Port is. You could start with learning network terminologies and slowly progress from there. Unlike PACS specific content, you can find tons of free tutorials about networking on KZbin. When I started my journey, someone recommended the CompTIA book that was mentioned in the video. I read half the book and watched Professor Messer's video on KZbin. It was enough to get my foot in the door. Hope that was helpful! Best of luck on your interview Nadia!

[@nadiadomingoselebedi]

@@HealthTechnologywithBeek Thanks so much I've started watching professor Messers and find networking very interesting actually.

[@arshadfazalbhoy4170]

Your videos are are god send , thank you. I love the simple way you explained all this.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you for the kind feedback Arshad.

[@richardp3933]

Very informative. Thanks for uploading this.

[@nicholasborner2332]

Holy cow this video was so helpful and enlightening. Thank you!!!

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you so much for your feedback!

[@damiendickerson6046]

I bought Practical Information Informatics and love the writing style and read speed. Took me all told about 6 days to go through the entire book or 1,036 pages of it not including the glossary test answers and index in the back of course. I guess I would be person d; I actually have a background in both X-ray and IT training. Loving your website of course and looking forward to making this move. I actually already have applied to two different jobs.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Hi Damien, that's very impressive! Best of luck on your job hunt. It sounds like you have an excellent foundational background. It's only a matter of time before you receive an offer. What I found in my experience, and from several reddit posts, is that it took people (first timers) several applications before they received an interview. Some even 50-100. Perhaps it's because these applications without direct experience get filtered out by HR before getting to the hiring manager. I'm sure it will be less for you but be sure to apply to as many as you can.

[@mightybasedzao3057]

Man thank you so much for this video seriously and especially for those book references

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@jacobsteindam9698]

I’ve been a RT for a year now and banner health put in in PACS with just my registry/license and no other certifications. Literally that’s all it took.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Awesome, Congratulations 🎊 👏

[@sergiomiranda5648]

Hi there. Been an RT for years now and lately been interested in pacs. I have no experience in the IT WORLD. how has it been for you?

[@BigHinNYC17]

Invaluable information. Great job!

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you!

[@mcnamara5421]

Can you further explain this part in a timeline “Choose a date when you would complete your training Recommended timeline is 6 months Choose a date to become certified if you’re eligible Recommended timeline is 6 months” Is it you train for 6 months then directly after take your certification exam? Or is, do 6 months of training then do 6 months of studying for certification exam? Just would like a better explanation.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

The purpose of setting a date is for personal accountability. Without an end date you may lose the momentum of completing your self study milestones. 6 months is arbitrary. Everyone is different and will have their own timeline. The point is to set an end date for yourself.

[@nerissalopez6848]

very interesting really I want to learn more... I'm a Rad Tech and some knowledge in RIS PACS DICOM at Radiology Dept.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

More videos coming soon Nerissa!

[@saikalam143]

Very nicely explained

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Thank you sir

[@papichico5594]

what about the PARCA certification? I did mostly IT/Electronics my entire Military career...in 2016 I went into Healthcare as a BMET...so I have been a BMET (Biomedical Equipment Equipment Technician) for a good 5 years (off and on between IT) and I have a CompTIA Security+ Cert. I work at the VA as a BMET now (Just started in Jan) and they have a PACS Administrator retiring by end of year...i so want this opportunity....im thinking of taking some OTECHIMG courses so i can study on my own time but its kinda expensive.

[@ajibolamoses759]

Wow this is great! How can I contact you pls?

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Hi. Apologies for the late reply. Congratulations on the BMET position. You are probably a seasoned expert by now. Or already a PACS admin. As you know, now is the best time to apply for new PACS roles in the states. With vaccine mandates and the shortage of labor force, many hospitals are hiring. The PARCA certification is considered, however in our experiences, the IIP certification seems to be preferred. Though real experience is preferred over both certifications. Most of us found the OTECHIMG courses to be expensive as well. Instead, we chose self learning and read the Practical Imaging Informatics book. The latest edition just came out. Associate link to amazon here: amzn.to/3x2Hj42 Hope this helps! Visit our website for more details. Pacsbootcamp.com

[@keishaserrano6399]

Does anyone have a good study guide for the CIIP exam?

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Hi Keisha. We have been working on a study guide. This will be available on Pacsbootcamp.com in December 2021.

[@mightybasedzao3057]

I’m currently in school for radiology I’m 3 months into the program . When I graduate can I apply for a Pacs administrator job and will they train me in? How much usually is the starting salary?

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Yes having a radiology experience is a plus. Don't forget to learn the information technology side as well. The starting salary can really vary based on location and experience. Some offer 50k for a starting role whereas others start at 70k. However, the room for growth is endless. You'll have to do your research based on your state and years of experience.

[@ChristopherMcAtee]

music is WAYYY too loud, cant even hear the narrator.

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

Noted. All future videos will have music removed.

[@SH4DOWTROOP3R]

Turn down the music Spielberg

[@HealthTechnologywithBeek]

LOL. Will do.