The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist primarily performs urgent and emergent radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. 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), and7407(d). 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS) 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. Grade Determinations: GS 08 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. GS 07 equivalent experiences include: see above GS 06 KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 08. References: VA Handbook 5005/123 PART II APPENDIX G58 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 08. Preferred Experience: One or more year's experience Performed routine x-rays, operates portable equipment and C-Arm fluoroscopic equipment Assisted radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic and spot fill examinations. Able to provide clinical instruction to radiology tech students Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted). This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. ["Functions/Duties: The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Imaging PACS System. Performance of daily QC check of system is required for imaging stability. Will report all changes and daily performance through PACS Coordinator. Sets up the x-ray room. Under the direction of a supervising radiologist, may administer barium or iodinated contrast media orally, intravenously, or rectally. As required by procedure or patient's condition, monitors vital signs, notifying radiologist of significant changes. If temporarily assigned to a day tour, provides clinical instruction for radiology technician students which includes positioning patients, measuring patient thickness to determine technical factors needed. Instructs students in the handling of seriously ill patients, checks images to ensure they are of good diagnostic quality. Evaluates the students' clinical ability periodically and grades their ability to determine their overall grades at the school. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injury. Performs operator preventive maintenance on x-ray equipment. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the section adoption of those which would improve the operation of Imaging Service. If unable to contact Site Manager or Imaging Coordinator, the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is authorized to call in backup technologists, during off duty hours to perform emergency examinations they are unable to perform. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major systems including the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs appearing on the film and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use. Knowledge of the effects of common medical and surgical diseases upon radiographic examinations, for example: the more common abnormalities of veins and arteries, results of respiratory conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and sinusitis, or peptic ulcer to recognize the conditions, assure that the radiographic studies properly illustrate the condition, and adjust positioning, technical factors or other variables to better illustrate them if necessary. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques including use of formulae for determining technical factors, how to control density, contrast and distortion, and use of, collimators, filters, grids, and other accessories to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality with a minimum of retakes. Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of difficult radiographic examinations. For example, in a lumbar myelography, skill in securing the patient firmly to the table so that no movement will take place as the table is tilted, knowledge of the required posterior and lateral views, and skill in accurately positioning the patient to best show the desired areas of the spine, concentrating the contrast medium where needed. Knowledge of all office procedures in the department such as scheduling, filing, and record keeping including but not limited to: entering Imaging procedure notes in CPRS, monitoring and posting 'no-show' lists in the scheduling and in the radiology package, and documenting and tracking STAT exams. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures involved in the care of any emergency that arises involving a patient. Customer Services Requirements: The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is expected to display an attitude of caring and courtesy toward all veterans and their families by treating them as valued customers, greeting them with a smile, referring to them by name, responding quickly to their needs, maintaining confidentiality, and treating them always with dignity and respect. Each Imaging Service employee is expected to favorably represent this service through appropriate interpersonal relationships, flexibility and adaptability to change, and organizational stewardship. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.
