The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs mammographic imaging and assists with breast interventional procedures. They perform general Radiography examinations, receive patients, explain method of procedure, positions patient, and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Technologist performs independent screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, and assists the Breast Imaging Radiologist. Advanced ARRT Certification is required for this position. 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. 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). Grade Determinations In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge Skills & Abilities 1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Assignment Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Certification Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) require an Advanced ARRT (M) Certification. References VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds, moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from a gurney to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally, the technician assists with the moving of heavy equipment or large patients but this is done with the assistance of others to minimize the danger to the individual. ["Performs independently screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, and assists the Breast Imaging Radiologist with mammographic interventions. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Meets the requirements set forth in 21 CFR 900.12(a) (2), maintenance of an Advanced Registry in Mammography, provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, in order to perform mammographic evaluations. Responsible to provide a teamwork environment with Radiologists, Supervisors, fellow technologists, and all other personnel that they are interacting with daily to facilitate pertinent information to ensure the success of the Mammography Section. Independently performs standard Mammographic examinations. Confers with radiologists to establish requirements of examinations and determines optional factors, etc., to satisfy additional requests to determine the diagnostic results. Responsible for maintaining adequate supplies in section and additional duty areas at all times. Works directly with lead-interpreting physician and designated interpreting physicians to ensure quality and determine requirements of non-standard exams. Notifies Radiologists of images requiring their immediate attention. Works with Mammographic schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Performs quality control and data must be recorded, tracked, and maintained in appropriate fashion. Performs and maintains annual checklists of the following quality control areas and at the frequencies noted in 21 CFR 900.12(e): Breast phantoms testing and evaluation Equipment assessment (control panel, equipment locks, light field testing, cables, KVmAs indicators) Equipment Compression force tests Softcopy Workstation evaluation/testing Detector calibration Detector artifact evaluation Digital phantom assessments (optical density assessments) Signal to noise and Contrast measurements Softcopy Workstation evaluation/testing Compression thickness indicator evaluation Equipment repairs and preventative maintenance Updates post reviews of the following information, by the Chief, Imaging Service and lead-interpreting physician: required patient care procedures and complaint processes, breast localization guidelines, patient history form and result letters, Infection Control Policy (specific to mammography per FDA), mammography personnel duties (per FDA), MSDS specific to mammography section (per FDA), cleaning product(s) documentation (per Hologic, INC), any documentation of serious blood/body fluid contact (per FDA), and on-going log of equipment repairs and preventative maintenance, consumer complaints, medical audit, medical report content, patients with breast implants, direct communication of results to patients. Assists Medical Physicist with annual mammography facility physics survey and frequent bi-weekly consultations. Performs quarterly reviews compiling multiple mammographic statistics for management reviews, Women's Veterans Health Program and Breast Surgeons. Tracks results of mammography and/or pathology procedures on women performed off-site, and ensuring the data is captured and entered into approved software; e.g., WHS, VistA and/or CPRS. Provides the Medical Physicist, the QC and/or QA records that may need to be reviewed to ensure the continued existence, continuity, and completion meets subsequent inspection standards. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)/000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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