Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Interventional Radiology/CT

Full Job Description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-IR/Cath Lab/CT is required to provide radiographic examinations in multiple areas: (1) CT (2) Special procedures/Interventional Radiology/Cath Lab Suite (including procedures in the Operating Room and Pain Management), (3) General X-ray.

The Technologist is responsible for clinical and educational duties in all areas.

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).

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.

Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.

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).

Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.

(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 (1) Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

(2) Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures.

At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity.

Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i.

Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii.

Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.

iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv.

Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT/IR).

Computed Tomography (CT): This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.

The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician.

Interventional Radiography (IR): Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures.

This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy.

The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures.

The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures.

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-10.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required.

The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. Major Duties:

Major duties include but not limited to: Responsible for clinical and educational duties in all assigned areas.

Works closely with the technologists, radiologists, cardiologists, surgeons, clinicians, nursing and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

Performs technical aspects of procedural cases, including visceral, peripheral, cardiac, carotids, angioplasties, angiograms, device implantation and electrophysiology cases, interventions with stent placements, tunneled dialysis catheters, PICC lines, kyphoplasty's, vertebroplasties and procedures in IR, Cath Lab or operating room suite.

Proficient in CT, with specific expertise in biopsies, drainages, catheter placements.

Ensures that adequate quantities of Interventional Radiology, Cath Lab and CT scan supplies, depending where assigned, are available to meet workload demands through a process of ordering, receipt, and inventory control.

Responsible for providing support/coverage to the interventional radiologist, cardiologist, vascular surgeon, in interventional radiology, cardiac cath lab or operating room suites.

Performs exams in a manner to optimize room times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Performs invasive exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques.

Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm PST Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 40275-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized