Career Center

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Primary duties of the incumbent will be to provide radiography imaging for general radiology units. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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. 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. 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, candidates must meet the following: Experience GS-08: I have at east one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-07 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignment: 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 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): (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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 PART II APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over Straight pulling (1 hour) Pushing (1-2 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (up to 3 hours) Repeated bending ( 1 hour) Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["While working in each area of Radiology Service, the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education, and research, as needed. The employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. Duties include but are not limited to: Reviews patients' prior images to obtain additional information in order to optimize radiographic techniques and positioning. Utilizes the patient's chart for pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, etc. and interrogates the patient for symptoms and any other information that will assist in examining the patient for diagnostic purposes. Receives patients, explains methods of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical and computer factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, i.e., O2, suction, physiological monitors, etc. Selects the appropriate protocol and parameters necessary for the required procedure and make exposures to record diagnostic images. Advises the radiologists of examinations' progress. Notifies radiologist of significant images requiring their immediate attention and visualization while patients are undergoing examinations. Converses with radiologist to establish requirements for nonstandard examinations. Independently determines technical factors and positioning necessary for optimal diagnostic studies. Knows and understands the principles of radiography and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially determine acceptability or rejection of each image. Required to recognize the significance of all structures that are visualized on the monitor at all times. Informs the radiologist concerning significant findings and observation. Checks results with the radiologist before discharging patient. On a regular basis, instructs resident radiologists and student technologists in the technical aspects of fluoroscopy and radiography.\\ Processes exposed images utilizing computed radiography technique and archiving to the Picture Archive Communication System. Participates in the evaluation, analysis, and formulation of radiographic image management. Utilizes conventional radiography film development when the PACS is inoperative including darkroom operation, preparation of film processing chemistry, cassettes, operation of automatic film processors, duplicators and subtraction units. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Screens requests for proper clinical history and pertinent data. Modifies the examination to match the written clinical history when appropriate. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, types of images taken, etc. Maintains a permanent record of images in the Picture Archive Communications System. During computer down time manually records patient information and requests in a log using generic case numbers. Responsible for entering the examinations into Vista when the computers come on line and editing the case numbers appropriately. The incumbent maintains visual and vocal contact with the patient during the examination recognizes patient distress and intervenes or contacts a physician as needed. Is cognizant of all patients in the Medical Center who are being cared for in Radiology or are waiting to return to hospital wards and who may require supervision. Inspects crash care and emergency equipment daily, replaces used equipment and maintains a record log. Processes digital images for PACS and to generate hard copies for medical-legal purposes utilizing appropriate technical factors in regard to filters, edge, enhancements, algorithms, etc. For the anatomy and pathology imaged. Archives studies and keeps records of examinations photographed and archived. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0730 to 1600 and 0800 to 1630, Holiday Coverage and On-call Coverage\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/PD000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]