Diagnostic Radiology Technician (Bone Density)

Full Job Description

Diagnostic Radiology Technicians (Bone Density), performs procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.

The objective of the examinations is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.

They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

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.

Education.

Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 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: Bone Densitometry (BD).

This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.

GS8: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments.

Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level.

Candidates at this grade level must be qualified 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.

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: One year Bone Density Experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 8.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Major Duties:

DUTIES: Perform diagnostic radiography examinations of head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, and extremities.

These exams are performed with and/or without the use of IV or oral contrast materials.

Perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiography under the direction of a physician, including complex radiographic examinations such as UGI, BE, and Arthrograms.

The examinations involve several different processes and methods and require performance of a variety of duties.

Operate radiology equipment, to include C-Arm and portable machines, to determine technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), set controls and operate equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure.

Prepares and adjusts accessary equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures.

Prepares the X-ray room, ensuring sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present. Properly identifies patient images.

The technologist must ensure that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirm patient identity by two

identifiers (i.e., full name, full social security number and/or date of birth) Have knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems and changes to organs caused by common diseases Scans questionnaire and FRAX score into patient's medical record/VISTA IMAGING.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm rotating evenings, weekends, holidays.

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) 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional