Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Imaging Service at the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery VA Medical Center.

In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures used for medical diagnosis.

The incumbent must have at least 1-year experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

The incumbent must be registered with the ARRT.

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.

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: N/A 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) performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures used for medical diagnosis.

The primary duties of the DRT may include but are not limited to: Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures.

These exams are achieved using diagnostic digital X-Ray equipment such as: DR Radiographic, DR Fluoroscopic, and DR Chest Radiographic units.

Incumbent seeks the advice and guidance from more experienced ORT for difficult exams.

Operates equipment for the purpose of providing radiographic examinations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. These examinations are performed with or without enteric contrast material.

The incumbent is expected to provide various tour coverage including weekends and holidays. Receives and interprets request, or instructions for procedures.

Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams of the upper and lower GI tract. Identifies the patient and the image.

Uses right and left markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

Obtains the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done.

Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x- rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures upon request, operates the digital fluoro unit in the Operating Room.

Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation.

The technicians, to assure compliance with 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.

Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HISRIS interface.

Understands the principals of the use of CR and PACS.

Uses these electronic methods to complete procedures, assign accurate patient information to studies then electronically send images for interpretation.

Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor.

Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.

Participates in continuing education processes in order to maintain competencies and keep abreast of technological advances.

Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology in order to perform responsibilities and demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure techniques.

Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm, 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 #: 586-01209F; 586-01210F; 586-01211F; 586-01094F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.