Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-647 (Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic) - performs routine to complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - chest units - portable units - c-arm's and general diagnostic units. The purposes of these exams are to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be affected.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• 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
• 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)
• 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)
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• 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)
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technician - GS-5 Experience or Education - None beyond the basic requirements
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - 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: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 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
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities - In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• 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
• Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience - At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).

Duties

• Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP - cystogram - cholangiograms - fistula grams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - various contrast agents - barium - and enema bags
• The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the various contrast materials
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests and inputs pertinent radiology information into the computer
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Performs radiographic exams of the head - spine - chest - abdomen (including exams of GI-tract - gallbladder - urinary system - and fistula) and extremities
• Achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - tomography units and general diagnostic units
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• By using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• Technologist will wear film badges to assure compliance with radiation regulations
• Must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and quality assurance
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• Is required to register patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) - and the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface
• Properly selects correct patient demographics from the RIS system every time
• Correct left and right markers are utilized on every image
• Technologist must confirm patient identity prior to imaging
• SS # and Full name before imaging occurs
• Responsible to explain exams to patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as potential hazards that may occur
• 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
• Using portable x-ray units and fluoroscopic units
• Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures to compensate patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and able to make minor repairs and or adjustments
• Exercises extreme caution in the handling of all radiation producing equipment
• Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions to the biomedical department
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies and pharmaceuticals in assigned areas
• Supervises and trains rotating radiology students
• Be professional and treat the students with respect
• Fill out the student evaluation and submit to the clinical instructor
• Must be professional - cooperative and be able to work with other employees and supervising staff
• Will be responsible for opening the Radiology reception desk and conducting check-in and registration processes
• Will provide back-up to the receptionist for breaks - lunches - and days when the receptionist uses leave
• Primarily responsible to create and import CD's/ DVD's
• Incumbent must be familiar with Release of Information directives and ensure all Radiology ROI activities are managed according to policy guidelines
• Support diagnostic imaging by providing coverage as back-up portable x-ray technologist
• DRT specific duties will be performed at least 25% of the time
• May be required to assist in any imaging area by transporting patients
• Participates in Holiday rotation/weekend rotations
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 3:30 pm to Midnight Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized 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) 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 children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care Telework: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 92886-A - 92887-A - 92888-A - 92833-A