Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs imaging studies utilizing DR - Fluoroscopy - and CT modalities. No less than 25% of imaging will be performed in the CT modality as an advanced DRT.

Qualifications

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)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience
• At least one full 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
• 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 inter-relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs 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
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Preferred Experience: Two years (2) Computed Tomography experience
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Duties may include: Receives requests or instruction for procedures
• Interprets requests or instruction from Radiologist - lead Technologist - or medical officers
• Performs as Technologist in charge on less demanding shifts
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians
• Supervision is often administrative and employee must contact radiologist or supervisory/lead technologist for instructions
• Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor or a higher graded technologist when an uncommon - unique or new procedure is required
• Operates Radiology Equipment
• Operates digital radiography - fluoroscopy - as well as CT equipment
• Determines technical factors (i.e. - calculates the correct exposure factors of time - distance - kilovoltage - and milliamperage) - sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure
• Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures
• Is knowledgeable about dose reduction and applies such techniques in consultation with the Supervising Technologist and Radiologist when performing CT exams
• Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head - trunk - and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries
• Uses DR equipment and maintains supplies
• Cleans equipment and area after use
• Performs routine QC and equipment calibration and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair
• Reviews CT/DR images and transfers images to PACS
• Cases out studies in VISTA and QAs in PACS so exams are complete and able to be reported by Radiologists
• 4
• Uses power injector for contrast enhanced CT procedures
• As a team member with a Radiologist - performs procedures such as gastrointenstinal and urologic procedures
• Sets up the fluoroscopy/procedure/CT room as indicated
• Assures that sterile supplies - local anesthetics - contrast materials - catheters - and other required equipment are present and laid out
• Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary
• Performs any clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section as needed
• Performs picture archival duties
• The Technologist captures images via DR and CT - applies any required algorithms and post-processing - configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system
• This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations
• Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized tomography
• Lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the (scan)
• On call duties (if applicable): Technologist on-call to provide emergency coverage for X-ray and/or CT up to 24 hours per day
• Requires the Technologist to be available to be on site within 60 minutes from receipt of the call so that proper and effective emergency care can be provided for the patient
• Technologist (DRT) may be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations - and/or CT
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30pm - on-call 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 #: 512-24163-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized