Summary

This position is located in Fayetteville - NC. Incumbent at this grade level are at the full performance level. Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic imaging examinations for patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist is responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations.

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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• 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
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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 Technologist - GS-8: In addition to the basic requirements for employment as listed above - applicants must: Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS7) 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: 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
• Assignments: Candidates at this grade level serve as staff DRTs 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 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-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08
• Physical Requirements: : The work requires long periods of standing and walking
• There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as detectors for digital imaging systems
• Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or working in strained positions.

Duties

• Duties and responsibilities for this position include - but are not limited to: Receives patients - explains methods of procedure - positions patient - selects and sets technical factors and any accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested examinations
• Performs dynamic and static diagnostic examinations and other additional duties in order to obtain a completed specific examination
• Thoroughly explains procedures and actions to allay fears and secure maximum cooperation
• Receives and reviews radiology requests from physicians and other health care providers for diagnostic examinations of patients
• Determines the condition at issue and the best way to meet the needs of the individual patient
• 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
• If unanticipated conditions or anomalies are discovered - extend and modify procedure to ensure full and accurate information as to findings and patient condition
• Monitors patient condition during examination and - if necessary - renders emergency aid and summons assistance
• Assists Radiologist or physician in evaluating results
• Ensures the migration of patient information and images generated from the Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) examination rooms to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) and Computerized Patient Record Keeping System (CPRS)
• Provides technical-based training for the Radiologic Technologist students from Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Directly interacts with both the students and the instructors from FTCC
• Trains other personnel in radiographic principles - procedures - capabilities - techniques - and equipment
• Explain concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool
• Develops diagnostic imaging training plans for incorporation in other programs of instruction
• Conducts hands-on training and technical oversight of other less experienced technologists
• Develops or adapts and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes or new techniques in diagnostic imaging
• Sets up radiographic room
• Assures that sterile supplies - linen - routine supplies - contrast materials - catheters and other required equipment are maintained - inventoried regularly and prepared for procedure
• Performs bedside examinations on the medical wards - ICU unit - recovery room - and OR suite with portable x-ray machines
• Follows established isolation procedure policies
• Assists the medical center surgeons by operating the portable C-Arm unit during difficult and complex OR cases
• Performs quality control duties to ensure smooth patient flow and expedient performance of requested examinations by means of monitoring requisitions for pertinent data
• performing film checks for acceptable diagnostic quality
• delivery to appropriate area of completed exams
• control disposition of patient by maintaining proper communication with ward personnel - escort service or other personnel
• monitoring radiographic rooms to render assistance as needed
• and any related duties that will expedite patient care
• All other duties assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Position will require on-call back up - holiday rotation and occasional alternate locations in Fayetteville
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.