Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Routines/Fluoroscopy)

Full Job Description

The Diagnostic Radiology Technologist is responsible for performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and fluoroscopic X-ray procedures for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service.

These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials.

The purpose of these exams is to assist with diagnostic and therapeutic interventional pain management procedures and to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be accomplished.

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.

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).

NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. Credentialing Standards.

Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel.

Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates.

Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).

The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.

This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified.

Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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 also result in termination of employment.

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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: 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.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year prior experience in assisting with fluoroscopy-guided interventional pain procedures.

At least 1 year prior experience assisting with fluoroscopy in spinal cord stimulator implantation and revision surgeries.

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 GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1-2 hours); Standing (1-2 hours); Both legs required; Specific visual requirement (specify) Corrective Lenses okay; Both eyes required; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental & emotional stability Major Duties:

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties: Independently performs standard radiographic examinations as necessary.

Receives patients and explains radiologic examinations to be performed. Ensures patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning the patient for required examinations.

Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services. Including various joint, facial, spinal, thoracic, pelvic and abdominal interventions, with or without contrast injections.

Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value.

Assist pain clinicians in multipart fluoroscopic and spot film examinations that require knowledge of complex neuro anatomy.

Maintains a substantial ability to anticipate the process and status of pain procedures and effectively communicates information verbally.

Assists pain clinicians in the conduct of intricate and delicate procedures that require advanced knowledge of various interventional pain medicine apparatus, precise attention to detail and teamwork.

Maintains records of patients examined and studies performed in the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VISTA) information system and CPRS as appropriate.

Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and communicates observations to accommodate urgent requirements.

Responsible to explain radiologic exams in layman's terms so patients will understand the conduct of the studies and potential side effects of therapy.

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

Properly identifies patient images using appropriate markers as required to ensure patient safety and privacy.

Ensures patient safety measures are practiced by participating in the OR's final time-out, verifying patient's identification band, labeling studies correctly.

Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required. Operates the dry laser printer and/or film processor.

Responsible for the quality and quantity of radiography exams performed in order to ensure high quality radiographs while minimizing team and patient exposure to radiation.

Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to radiologist(s) for interpretation.

Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and any other protective personal equipment identified for use.

Ensures the safe operation of radiographic equipment according to the safety policies and procedures of the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital and participates in quality assurance activities as directed.

Is familiar with darkroom procedures (if it becomes necessary) such as loading and unloading cassettes, operating processor in order to provide adequate and proper processed radiographs.

Performs clerical duties to include registering patient's examinations in VISTA, pulling or printing radiographs for clinicians, delivering films to or picking up films from the wards/units.

Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and able to work with other employees to contribute to a safe and secure workplace.

Maintains current knowledge of the development in the field of allied health sciences as related to Radiologic technology and maintains current ARRT registration.

Incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 7-3:30PM, Monday-Friday 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 #: 55405-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized