Summary

The technologist will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under the direction of a physician. Operates all radiology equipment both mobile and fixed - and assists the radiologist in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. The technologist works closely with radiology students - mentoring and providing guidance with examinations during all aspects of their clinical rotations.

Qualifications

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 2 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)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-6 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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
• 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
• GS-7 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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
• 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
• GS-8 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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.

Duties

• Interpret requests/instructions from radiologists or clinicians and independently performs routine radiographic examinations of the head - trunk - and extremities for illness or injury diagnosis
• Conducts invasive procedures (myelograms - lumbar punctures - arthrograms - joint injections) utilizing sterile techniques and completing \"time out\" procedures - as well as special procedures like cholecystograms - cholangiograms - HSG - loopograms - VCUs - and GI series with barium enemas
• Accurately operates diverse imaging equipment - including general diagnostic exams - fluoroscopy - portable radiographs - and C-arm procedures in various settings (Operating Room - Pain Clinic) to obtain high-quality images
• Responsible for performing and maximizing utilization of all exam rooms and radiologic equipment - and timely reporting of all equipment failures to bio-medical engineer - PACS administrator - supervisor/lead - and coworkers
• Calculate and sets correct exposure factors (time - distance - kilovoltage - milliamperage) ensuring appropriate exposure for specified body parts - and adjusts factors for difficult examinations
• Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment and makes exposures safely
• Perform and completes imaging studies within established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent - and routine exams - implementing \"Best Practices\" for timely access to healthcare
• Case edits exams promptly and records comments - fluoro lines - dose - contrast media - time out procedures - or protocol variations in VISTA and Isite
• Ensures successful image transfer to VISTA and PACS
• Receive and positively identifies each patient privately using two forms of identification (e.g. - full name - SSN - DOB)
• Properly selects and verifies patient information from HIS-RIS list - reconciles current medications - and prepares/administers contrast materials/medications under radiologist direction for fluoroscopy procedures
• Set up and operates ancillary equipment (oxygen tanks - vital sign monitors - defibrillators - suction equipment) - monitors vital signs - recognizes allergic reactions - and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency procedures - including AED use
• Maintain consistently courteous - respectful - and cooperative relationships with management - co-workers - students - patients - and others - contributing positively to Diagnostic Imaging operations and providing customer service according to JCAHO standards
• Familiar with VISTA and CPRS - accurately and routinely looking up pertinent patient information (labs - radiology orders - consults - physician notes - allergies - radiology reports) related to patient examinations
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure using ALARA principles - lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls - and collimation
• Wears film badges for compliance monitoring and assists in annual lead apron inspections
• Proficient in recording findings and submitting inspection results to leadership
• Follows contingency policy for computer system downtime by manually completing requisitions and processing exams in the VISTA system - then entering information once the system is back online
• Ensures image transfer to PACS and contacts appropriate personnel for issues
• May be required to travel for Diagnostic Imaging Service assignments - including volunteering at other VA facilities or assisting with general radiology technologist coverage
• Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm - Saturday 7:30am -4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized