DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Diagnostic Ultrasound)
The incumbent will perform general radiology in a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) setting. The DRT must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of diagnostic x-ray images used for patient diagnosis and treatment.

Qualifications:

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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5
Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6
Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-5, or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
(b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
(c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
(d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
(e) Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7
Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
(b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
(c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
(d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
(e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(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

Preferred Experience:

• ARRT board certification for diagnostic radiologic technology- general x-ray
• This position is for CBOC- staff in radiology work independently
• Prefer minimum of 1 year experience, but not required

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Responsibilities:

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

DRT x-ray Functions:
a. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
b. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) for patients, co-workers and self.
c. Screens female patients within childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Documents screening on pregnancy screening in Vista. Contacts physician when pregnancy possible. If procedure performed on pregnant or potentially pregnant patient, uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patient during exposure.
d. Properly identifies patient before performing a procedure by verifying at least two patient identifiers (full name, social security number, birth date can be used), Identifies procedure to be performed to include right / left (extremity).
e. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
f. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family.
g. The incumbent maintains the equipment/detectors/workstations as directed by the manufacturer.
h. Registers patients for procedures. Documents by case editing procedures performed in the radiology package of VISTA. Documents date, time, initials, and number of films on the paper request that corresponds to films/images. Documents accurate procedure performed, complications of the procedure, technologist involved in the procedure, and the correct exam room in the case editing radiology program of VISTA.
i. Uses VISTA, CPRS, PACS and Microsoft Outlook software systems. May be required to assist in the release of information process (faxing reports or burning CDs, Medicom).
j. Move wheelchair and lift patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer or by using safe patient handling equipment.
k. Maintains clean work area and radiographic/exam rooms and equipment. Maintains stock of supplies and linen for assigned area. Disinfects soiled equipment. Disinfects table after each use. Changes linen on table after each use.
l. Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used, notifies the Chief Technologist and bio-med of any failure, or required service.
m. Demonstrates skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Other temporary or permanent duties as assigned within the scope of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. This may include clerical duties or other patient care activities to assist patient care in the CBOC.
n. Performs initial QA (quality assurance) on all films/images to ensure correct patient identification on the image, technologist's letter marker corresponds to correct patient's anatomy, exposure factors, position of patient documented, paperwork corresponds with the procedure performed, and case number corresponding to the procedure.
o. Assures that all Imaging, Medical Center, VISN and Radiation Safety policies are effectively followed.
p. Interact with representatives from outside agencies such as JCAHO, VISN and VHA when necessary.

Work Schedule: Intermittent - As needed
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required