Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary General Radiologic Technology (R): DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologist.

The objective of the examinations and procedures is 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.

They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

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
• 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
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• 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)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C
• 7402(d), and 7407(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)

Creditable Experience:
Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice

• To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work

Grade Determinations:
GS-5 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience or Education

• None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-6 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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

Preferred Experience:
CT-Certification preferred

References:
VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The 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

Physical Requirements:
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.

Duties "Duties included, but are not limited to:

• Properly identifies the correct patient using appropriate patient identifiers prior to exam. Properly identifies patient exams using appropriate markers (i.e. L, R, supine, standing, etc.).
• Performs all routine, urgent, and stat diagnostic x-ray exams proficiently on outpatients, inpatients, and ICU and ER patients using Digital Radiography (DR).
• Performs routine, urgent, and stat portable x-ray exams on inpatients, ICU and ER patients, surgical patients in the operating room, as well as post-op patients.
• Performs c-arm fluoroscopic guidance and imaging for bronchoscopies, pain clinic procedures and injections, exams performed in the GI lab, and surgical cases such as, but not limited to, joint replacements and repairs using implantable hardware, spinal surgeries, and line placements.
• Performs DEXA scans to JCHO and ARRT specifications ensuring diagnostic studies to be interpreted by the Radiologist.
• Provides training to student radiographers from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives
• Prepares oral, rectal, and injectable contrast and other contrast materials as necessary.
• Follows prescribed protocols required to independently perform simple procedures.
• Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.
• Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance with radiation regulations.
• Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
• Possesses the ability to vary tests or procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus.
• Processes images with digital image acquisition and processing.
• Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Service Line.
• Provides excellent customer service to patient during all interactions.
• Works with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, OR Staff, etc to ensure proper hand-off of patients between departments/units and unified coordination of care.
• Maintains a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within the assigned rooms.
• Practices hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures.
• Responsible for the quality assurance of images (positions/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PACS network. The incumbent assists in transmission of images to off-site locations.
• The incumbent maintains the equipment/workstations as directed by the manufacturer and reports equipment problems through the appropriate processes.
• Performs a variety of department quality assurance/quality control duties.
• Provides education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures.
• Reception and clerical duties related to patient care including, but not limited to management of images to outside with appointment information, preparing schedules for future appointments.
• Basic knowledge of functionality of PACS system.
• Rotates into CT, training under the direct supervision of an ARRT certified CT technologist to obtain and maintain competency to perform non-contrast CT brain exams to support Telestroke patients.
• Maintains administrative accountability for departmental equipment and supplies. Anticipate needs for supplies and equipment vs. the cost and provide them well in advance.
• Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative through work order documentation.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system.
• Sends after-hours exams for off-site interpretation.
• Assists in patient check in and coordination of incoming and outgoing radiology CD's and reports. Dispatches radiology studies to outside physicians and hospitals as needed.
• Sends radiographic studies to after-hours radiology service for diagnosis during nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Participates in Mandatory Shift Rotation.

Work Schedule:
Administrative Days- will be communicated during the interview process Telework:

Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required"

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