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The Radiology Department for FVAMC located at the Wilmington, NC Health Care Center is currently recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (Mammography/Diagnostic). Technologist operates independently and without direct supervision, also responsible for the performance and coordination of mammography and diagnostic exams. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated and to aid in the treatment of disease and injury. 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 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification Grade Determinations: GS-9 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. 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 assignments: (a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients References: VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 II-G25-10 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. 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. ["This position is responsible for the performance of a variety of complex mammography and diagnostic radiographic exams. These include, but are not limited to, screening and diagnostic mammography exams. The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of imaging examinations, and for ensuring proficiency and compliance of staff to all service, facility, and accreditation standards for breast imaging. Duties performed include, but are not limited to the following: Mammography - Maintains effective control of the mammography area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the department. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures Receives and positions patient for examination. Explains procedures and actions to allay fears and secure maximum cooperation. Assist the radiologist in the performance of special mammography tests. Assists in needle localization, breast biopsy(s) and cyst aspirations, in which the radiologist pinpoints a suspected area on the patient. Incumbent makes exposures and processes the film under sterile technique after the radiologist inserts the localizing needle into the patient. Incumbent also makes radiographs of breast tissue submitted for pathology findings. Responsible for creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing and preparing all mammography documents/ reports for up-to-date data to insure that the ACR, FDA and VA mandates are always within the prescribed standards. Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of mammography. Maintains ARRT and BCLS license/ certifications. Troubleshoots equipment used in mammography by monitoring the daily, weekly, and quarterly QC procedures to make suggestions about repairs and/or adjustments. Monitors these radiographs to be certain all radiographs on loan are returned in a timely manner in order to maintain good working relations with outside facilities. Employs up-to-date record keeping and tracking mechanisms. Responsible for explaining exams to patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as recognize potential hazards. Compiles computer generated Radiology reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians. Validates and sends lay summary letter to each and every patient once the mammogram has been reported by a radiologist and communicates consults as needed. Maintains all BIRAD reports as mandated by the FDA and ACR. Diagnostic - Receives patients, explains methods of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors and any accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested diagnostic examinations Sets up, adjusts and operates diagnostic radiography equipment. Selects the appropriate protocol(s), and conducts examination, adjusting technique and equipment to best present the medically significant aspects found. Monitors patient condition during examination and, if necessary, renders emergency aid and summons assistance. The technologist assists Radiologist or physician in evaluating results. Work Schedule:Full Time 8:00am- 4:30pm Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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