Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

This position is in the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System Radiology Department. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist operates independently and without direct supervision and is responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.

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

A. United States Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).

B. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

C. 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. NOTE: applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts.

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.

D. Certification: all applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). NOTE: applicants must submit a copy of their certification with their application.

E. Grandfathering Provision: 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).

F. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8: employees at this grade level serve as staff Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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.

• Experience Requirement: must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  • Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
  • Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  • Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  • Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

G. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, dated December 13, 2019

H. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requiresappropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation, and distance management. Film badges are worn to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.

Responsibilities:

This position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved. The focus of this position is on the provision of patients and families/caregiver. Responsibility for patients that might require alternative approaches to assessment, treatment, and education.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs a variety of difficult radiographic examinations with the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
• Performs independently or as a member of the Diagnostic Imaging team to create quality images using sophisticated computerized diagnostic radiology equipment.
• Independently performs routine radiographic examination of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illnesses or injuries.
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
• Oversees the scheduling of exams to assure patients will be seen in a timely manner.
• Documents exams performed.
• Prepares paperwork complete with prior reports to be presented with patient's folder to the radiology reading room.
• Operates highly technical computerized radiographic equipment.
• Alters images prior to being digitally sent to reading stations for optimum visualization.
• Retrieves and sends images via the STENTOR PACS system.
• Compiles studies by accessing images through the computer archives.
• Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures.
• Responsible for creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing, and preparing all written and oral reports of up-to-date data necessary for the completion of continuous and/or problem-focus Quality Assurance.
• Provides training and in-service program.
• Establishes written procedures and protocol for use with new medical equipment.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and can make minor repairs and/or adjustments.
• Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computer radiology information system.
• Compiles computer generated x-ray reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians.
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.

Work Schedule: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required