Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

The primary role of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), also called an R.T.(R), X-Ray Technologist, or Radiographer, is using medical imaging equipment to produce images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical personnel.

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), and 7407(d).

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.

NOTE: Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C.

§ 7405(c)(2)(B).

The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.

This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified.

Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

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).

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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6: (1) 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.

AND, (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7: (1) 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. AND, (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8: (1) Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. AND, (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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.

Preferred Experience: American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R) and Basic Life Support certified.

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 primary duties of the DRT may include, but are not limited to: Performs routine to moderately complex Diagnostic radiographic examinations using digital imaging equipment including digital radio graphic, digital fluoroscopic, and digital radio graphic chess systems.

Obtains diagnostic quality images for use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, with or without the use of intricate contrast materials, and accordance with the established protocols.

Provides imaging coverage on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis including weekends and holidays in accordance with the service needs and tour assignments.

Reviews and interprets imaging results and instructions to ensure appropriateness of examinations and compliance with diagnostic requirements.

Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for examinations of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Verifies patient identification using two patient identifiers, full name, full social security number, and or date of birth. Hospital band for non-verbal patients.

Correctly applies right and left anatomical markers to ensure accurate imaging identification and prevent errors.

Establishes report with patients explains procedure in a clear and professional manner and obtains patient cooperation to ensure safe and effective examinations.

Performs radiographic examinations at the bedside and in operating rooms.

Practices radiation safety principles to minimize exposure to patients, staff and by self by utilizing shielding devices, communications, lead line barriers, and personal monitoring devices, and compliance with regulatory and facility safety standards.

Provides guidance to junior technologists and student technologists, serving as a mentor to develop both.

Adheres to Medical Center safety policies and procedures and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.

Registers, documents exam details and edits in the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA).

Transmits images to Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for interpretation- Carestream and VistA imaging.

Maintains clean work area and appropriately stock levels of supplies in assigned work areas. Promptly reports equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to supervisor.

Demonstrates professionalism, cooperation, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Participates in continuing education and training to maintain professional competencies and remain current with technological advances in diagnostic radiology.

Applies knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to perform accurate radiographic positions and exposure techniques.

Assumes responsibility for quality of radiographic exams to radiologists and supervisors, ensuring radiographs meet high quality standards, minimizing patient radiation exposure and reducing associated costs.

Maintains Basic Life Support (BCLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) certification in accordance with local policy.

Demonstrates knowledge of sterile technique, including medical and surgical asepsis. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm, 10:30am-700pm, or 3:30pm-midnight.

Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized.

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

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 #: 580-00103F; 580-00104F; 580-00105F; 580-00106F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.