Summary

The incumbent performs diagnostic radiography examinations of the breast {mammography) for screening - diagnostic and biopsy evaluation. The incumbent will also perform general diagnostic computed tomography of the head - neck - spine - thorax - abdomen/pelvis and extremities. The incumbent must be an ARRT registered technologist in both Computed Tomography {CT) and Mammography (M}.

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
• 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
• *** Copy required with Application packet 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)
• ***Transcripts required with application packet
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10 (Above Full Performance Level) (1) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9) level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (2) Assignments
• Employees at this level are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
• Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• (3) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies.] References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard dated December 13 - 2019
• This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• This position is above the full performance level of this series at the GS-10 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Confers with requesting services so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires \"scrub-in technique\" preparation of surgical trays - preparation of contrast - supplying of catheters and guide wires - sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by the technicians to ensure compliance with radiation regulations
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system
• Properly identifies patient images
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number
• Serves as a registered mammographer performing routine to very difficult radiographic examinations of well and diseased breasts
• Performs Radiologic procedures and examinations to include screening and diagnostic mammography - and breast interventional procedures and biopsies
• Maintains strict adherence to mammography guidelines to ensure the integrity and consistency of mammographic studies
• Must closely monitor the QC - phantoms - repeat analysis and other tests performed and required to ensure compliance with the established mandatory guidelines set by the regulatory agencies
• Responsible to independently meet with the Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) inspector annually during a site inspection
• In addition - the incumbent is responsible for maintaining and reviewing all documents for each day of operation throughout the past year with FDA inspector to ensure record compliance under MQSA and ACR regulations
• Incumbent is the primary point of contact for facility ACR re-accreditation
• Makes several exposures on own initiative to provide complete studies for the radiologist's review and interpretation
• Adjusts procedure and positioning technique according to type of patient being examined - sets up mammography suite
• assures that sterile supplies - contrast materials - biopsy needles and other equipment required are present
• Follows and maintains sterile field procedures
• By maintaining accreditation with the American College of Radiology - the incumbent will also stay abreast of new developments in the field of mammography and will be responsible for making recommendations to the appropriate authority that would improve the quality and operation of the service
• Work Schedule: 8:00AM-4:30PM (Occasional On-Call hours) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required