The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist independently performs difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast (mammography), perform bone density examinations of the spine, extremities and body as well as perform routine diagnostic x-rays. These exams are primarily performed at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System to include the North Central Federal Clinic, Kerrville Division and all OPC's and CBOC's. 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. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Mammography (M). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. 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. i. 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. Preferred Experience: 3 Years of Mammography DRT experience ARRT registered References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2 hours); Standing (2 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Hearing without aid; Mental and emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Radiant energy; Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work ["Duties include but not limited to: Serves as a registered mammographer performing routine to very difficult radiographic examinations of well and diseased breasts. Performs Radiologic procedures and examinations to include screening and diagnostic mammography, and breast interventional procedures. Responsible to independently meet with the Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) inspector annually during a site inspection. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining and reviewing all documents for each day of operation throughout the past year with FDA inspector to ensure record compliance under MQSA and ACR regulations. Maintains strict adherence to mammography guidelines to ensure the integrity and consistency of mammographic studies. Must closely monitor the QC, phantoms, repeat analysis and other tests performed and required to ensure compliance with the established mandatory guidelines set by the regulatory agencies Performs DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorbtiometry) bone density examinations of the spine, extremities and body. Confers with radiologists and/or endocrinologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning of scans, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements of DXA scanning. Work Schedule: San Antonio location Monday -Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Kerrville location schedule working Tuesday and Thursday in Kerrville and working Monday, Wednesday and Friday in San Antonio. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
