Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the GS-9 grade level will operate independently and without direct supervision performing all manner of diagnostic radiology examinations and assisting in evaluating - monitoring and continuously improving various imaging informatics workflows within Iowa City Imaging services.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT)
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT)
• Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-8 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Specialized experience includes: Experience checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Utilized knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Applied knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Monitored patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Utilized knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Applied knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• AND Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - repeated bending - and both legs required

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Operates - maintains - troubleshoots - and performs quality control procedures on all General Radiology Equipment
• Assists with the operation - maintenance - and repair of computerized storage of images
• (Vista) Anticipates needs for supplies well in advance for the Radiology department
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP - cystogram - cholangiograms fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• (In the case of injected media - a patient consent form must be obtained - when indicated.) These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - renografin - barium - and enema bags
• Develops protocols and procedures for radiology and trains other technologist in these protocols and procedures as well as operation of equipment
• Performs Quality Control procedures - which may include (but not exclusively) the following: Screen cleaning regiment Grid alignment and artifacts Radiographic equipment mA linearity and reproducibility Automatic exposure control density and field sensitivity Reproducibility and accuracy of timer and KVP stations Lead apron & glove radiation verification Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and can make minor repairs and/or adjustments
• Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• A register - requests - cancels - and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS)
• Properly identifies patient films using flash identifiers - and L & R markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur
• The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls - collimation - and distance management
• Film badges are worn by the radiographerto assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state
• Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the cardiac system
• Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure
• Performs all cassette reader procedures such as loading and unloading cassettes - and correctly sending images from the reader/computer
• Regularly inspects cassettes and grids for effectiveness
• Works directly with PACS team on Visage issues and can work independently on image transfer problem solving
• Maintains effective radiology area by coordinating (including helping with getting a patient scheduled) - planning - organizing - and executing the work potential to expediate workflow patterns within the department
• Understands all modality locations and can assist with relaying vital information on daily workflow
• Works directly with Radiologist team to find daily best practices and approaches
• Understands Imaging's constant technological progression and works to improve Imaging from a technology viewpoint
• Assists supervisor and administrative officer of radiology by accumulating data - preparing reports - and developing polices
• Supervises and trains rotating radiology students and technologists in radiology protocols and procedures as well as operation of equipment
• Able to train new staff and/or students in all areas of x-ray examinations - including - but not limited to - fluoroscopic and OR procedures
• Work side by side with DR supervisor on task assignments and can direct workflow in the supervisor absence
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Monday-Friday - 8am to 4:30pm
• Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required