Summary

The Diagnostic Radiological Mammography Technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California HCS - Radiology Department - Stockton - CA. Operates independently and without direct supervision - primarily operates mammography equipment to provide diagnostic images for the diagnostic interpretations by a radiologist. Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination using diagnostic x-ray equipment.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• A
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• B
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) C
• Certification Requirement: 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 D
• Education Requirement: 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)
• E
• Grandfathering Provision: 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
• F
• Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above - applicants must meet the following grade requirements
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10 Experience
• In addition to minimum qualifications - applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level - GS-09 - that is directly related to the position being filled - that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• G
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II - Appendix G25 - dated December 13 - 2019 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards - GS-0647
• H
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Duties

• This is an open continuous announcement until April 14
• 2025
• Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available
• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography operates independently and without direct supervision as the Diagnostic Radiological Mammography Technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California HCS - Radiology Department - Stockton - CA
• Primarily operates mammography equipment to provide diagnostic images for the diagnostic interpretations by a radiologist
• Secondarily performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination and procedures using diagnostic x-ray equipment
• The duties associated with this position include but are not limited to the following: Operates and displays a greater in-depth background - expertise and extensive skill in the use and operation of x-ray control consoles - tube assemblies and lock systems to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures for mammography
• Understands and capably demonstrates the various and multiple mammography positions for standardized projections
• Performs a full range of general radiology imaging studies - for example - chest abdomen and extremity images
• Responsible to the radiologists - lead technologist - and chief technologist for the quality and quantity of mammographic and radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• The technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges
• The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Schedules exams in the appropriate order when multiple procedures are requested
• Enters patients as no-shows when he/she fails to keep their scheduled appointment
• Works with work-list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface and case edits patients in VISTA
• Properly identifies the patient and the image
• Uses left and right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as any adverse reactions - if any - are possible
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWMTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:XXXX Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required