Career Center

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Special Procedures, Computed Tomography (CT)/X-Ray, position is assigned to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Diagnostic Imaging Service. 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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).] 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 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Advanced CT scan experience Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignment: (c) 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, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, 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, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part ll, Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Qualification Standard GS-0647. http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf this can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex\nmodalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic\nprocedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such\nassignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology,\nMammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. a. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality,\nutilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.\nb. Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates\nall responsibilities within the CT and General Radiology section. c. Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist to include:\nHead, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and\nAngiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. d. Technologist will operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment; perform all types of radiographic,\ntomographic and fluoroscopic procedures. e. Technologist will independently perform examinations of the head, entire spine, chest, abdomen, and\nextremities, using direct radiography (DR). All examinations are processed digitally. f. Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic xrays\nto the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology\nService due to incapacity or surgical procedures.\ng. Technologist will rotate into different computed tomography and radiography rooms to maintain\nknowledge of all procedures and equipment.\nh. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service\nContrast Policy for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media.\ni. The technologist is trained in the proper use of I-stat and power injectors.\nj. Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly\naffect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient.\nk. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to\ncompensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. l. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired\nand maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. m. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent, and\nroutine exams.\nn. Technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-\nday adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. o. Properly identifies patient by using two forms of identification: full name, date of birth, full social security\nnumber and/or hospital name band. p. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done\nand what, if any, potential adverse effects may be possible. q. Move wheelchair and stretcher patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer with the use\nof provided transfer equipment such as sit to stand, ceiling mounted lifts and air mattresses.\nr. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams\nrequiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistula grams and arthrography and\nfor the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. s. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams\nperformed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and\nreducing costs.\nt. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. u. Technologist transmits and receive-mail through Microsoft Outlook and GUI mail. v. The employee must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical\nCenter and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.\nw. Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by the Medical\nCenter and Radiology Service Infection Control policies. x. Responsible to adhering to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) policies and procedures within the\nRadiology Service.\ny. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. Work Schedule: Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday 3:30 pm to midnight OR Saturday through Tuesday from midnight to 8:30 am and Wednesday from 3:30 pm to midnight.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]