Diagnostic Radiologic Technician

Full Job Description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) performs a complete range of complex diagnostic imaging tasks independently, needing guidance only for unique challenges.

Duties include assisting physicians with diagnostic radiologic exams and imaging-guided procedures, delivering basic patient care, and responding to emergencies.

The DRT adheres to imaging protocols and makes adjustments under the general guidance of a radiologist.

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, 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.

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).

English Language Proficiency: DRT's must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-05 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-06 Experience or Education.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.

Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician GS-07 Experience or Education.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.

Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.

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.

Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check the system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.

Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of the patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.

Ability to monitor the patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.

Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Preferred Experience: 3 years experience working independently as an X-ray/C-arm technologist.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 05 to GS 08.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.

May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing.

May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) operates various healthcare and radiology specific information systems to receive, document, and transmit information to perform their duties.

This includes but is not limited to operating picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to transmit completed imaging examinations to supervisors for review prior to submission to the interpreting physicians.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Independently operates general X-Ray equipment including radiology, fluoroscopy, C-Arm, and portable units.

Uses imaging protocols to determine patient preparation, positioning, and radiation doses to produce quality images.

Evaluates assigned work conditions and deviates from protocols under supervisor's general guidance.

Ensures equipment is properly warmed-up and operating within safety standards per manufacturer's specifications. Operates accessory devices.

Performs operator-level quality assurance tests and occasional troubleshooting on imaging equipment as per local policies and manufacturer's specifications.

Initiates work order requests or other necessary corrective measures. Work Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 am (midnight) - 8:00 am (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility).

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 520-00184-F, 520-00185-F,520-00186-F, 520-00187-F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized