Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) positions are assigned to New Mexico Veterans Hospital, Radiology service line within the Raymond G. Murphy VA Hospital.

This facility is located in Albuquerque, NM. We are currently looking to fill two positions.

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: 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). 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.

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: 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in the resume: 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.

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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in the resume: 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.

GS-08: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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

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

Ability to monitor patient's physiological 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: One year of related experience to duties listed in duties section above.

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-8.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 6, 7, or 8.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; straight pulling (2 hours); pushing ( 4 hours); reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (4 hours); standing (4 hours); kneeling (2 hours); repeated bending ( 2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; hearing (aid maybe permitted); hearing without aid; mental and emotional stability.

Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.

Duties include but are not limited to: Assisting radiologists in the fluoroscopic examinations.

Preparing contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, cholangiograms fistula grams, and arthrography for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.

Responsible for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.

Practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. Performing imaging procedures with Diagnostic Radiology imaging equipment and adjusting image quality when necessary.

Maintaining records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifying the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers.

Explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.

Performing 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.

Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.

May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations during irregular emergency on-call hours. 24hours per day, coverage.

Work Schedule: Applicant could be assigned to one of the listed schedules. Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm OR Wednesday - Sunday, 3:30 pm - 11:30 pm.

Initial training hours will be 7:30am - 4:00pm (Schedules are determined by immediate supervisor.) 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) 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 #: 000000; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS 6 / 7 / 8 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized