Career Center

Summary

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.

Qualifications

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
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply:(1) DRTs that require a certification - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level - or changed to lower grade within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21 - 1986 - and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed - in writing - by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1 - 1987 - is considered fully qualified
• These employees may be promoted - changed to lower grade - or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series
• Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry
• Grade Determinations: GS 05 (1) Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• (2) Assignment
• DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision
• The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in afunctional area
• Such duties are performed under closer supervision
• GS 06 (1) Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 05) or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS 07 (1) Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• 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
• Continuation of Qualifications is found in Additional Information

Duties

• 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: Full Time
• Rotating Shifts
• Nights/Weekends/Holidays
• 12 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday - 8:00am - 8:00pm with 2 days in the week 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required