Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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 Technologist, GS-8 Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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: Minimum of 2 years experience in x-ray. 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.

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 duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist include, but are not limited to: Operates imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to Obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.

Performs general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures, but receives guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues.

Receives patients and is responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend.

Explains potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam and obtains consent for examinations using contrast media.

Performs fluoroscopic procedures and Bone Density exams when assigned to facilities with those services. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams.

Determines technical factors, positioning of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of Dexa scanning. Performs fluoroscopic procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques.

Recognizes the technical adequacy of the digital image, and has the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.

Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical/IR/Fluoro team when assigned to a facility location with those services.

Maintains competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media, and policy for use of Contrast Media.

Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS.

Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Operates and maximizes utilization of all equipment.

Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.

Works with staff to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with the established priorities and additional assignments.

Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology service Infection Control policies.

Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Performs minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment.

Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided.

Reviews new developments in the field of Radiology, Fluoroscopic and Dexa examinations. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, 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 EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact vhafavhrsbu@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 #: 564-01544-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized