Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

Thank you for your interest in the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position with the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg WV.

The DRT Independently performs routine to complex radiographic procedures.

These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units, general diagnostic units, and bone density.

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.

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: Board certification in Computed Tomography (CT) must be obtained within one year of employment.) 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).] Loss of Credential.

An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

English Language Proficiency. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice: To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice.

This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Quality of Experience: Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above.

Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience: Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek.

For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

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-09: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Examples experience at the (GS-08) grade level include but are not limited to: Independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

Ability to check 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 patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor 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.

GS-9 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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-09.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability.

Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties may include but are not limited to; Incumbent functions as an advanced DRT who is able to carry out assigned tasks independently with regards to General Radiology, including Fluoroscopy.

The incumbent will discuss any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the contracted radiologist. Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations.

Utilizes aseptic technique to start IVs for CT procedures utilizing contrast under the supervision of an Advanced DRT(CT).

Prepares and administers contrast materials under the supervision of an Advanced DRT(CT) and the supervising radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable contrast for CT procedures.

Incumbent can independently prepare contrast for oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.

Observes patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity.

Checks pertinent lab values and medications for contraindication to the exam to be performed and documents this review in the patient's record, spreadsheets, etc. as required.

Responsible for pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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

May be required to perform bone densities studies. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self.

This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologist is to assure compliance to radiation regulations and is to 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.

Performs cutting-edge image processing and post processing procedures on advanced workstations and software as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study.

Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Case edits and when necessary, registers patients in VISTA. Verifies order with patient history.

If patient is unable to give history, verifies order with patient medical record, and clarifies any discrepancy with ordering provider before proceeding with examination.

No changes will be made to the order without consulting the ordering provider, then documenting the change of order in the medical record.

Documents radiation dose for various Imaging (including but not limited to OR C-arms, Fluoroscopy, etc.) by utilizing Imaging Service Radiation Dose Note in CPRS.

Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any.

May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Gathers related information such as lab values, imaging reports, etc.

so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.

Performs fluoroscopic examinations with the use of a C-Arm in an operating room setting., including but not limited to, pain management procedures, implantable device image guidance, ORIF, and general abdominal surgery.

Supervises and trains rotating X-ray students. Other tasks/duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full time.

Monday through Friday day shift with rotating weekends and holidays (potential for rotating 8/10/12 hour tours). Work schedule is based on departmental needs.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized. 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.