Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) performs digital radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head - neck spine - chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be initiated.

Qualifications

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).

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)
• 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
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: At least one year of full-time experience performing a wide variety of routine and complex MRI examinations in a hospital or outpatient setting
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform and prioritize routine and complex MRI examinations (e.g. - brain - spine - MSK - body - MRA/MRV) while maintaining high image quality - adherence to safety standards - and efficient workflow management to support timely and accurate patient care
• 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-09
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Schedules exams in a manner to optimize all the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc.) Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and general exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition - must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Practices MRI safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the healthcare system and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Uses the PACs system for retrieval of images to be printed to a laser camera
• Also - must have knowledge to load and unload laser camera
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes patient logbooks - requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS) - copying of films - etc
• Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and left/right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur
• The radiographer must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Asks each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and social security last four numbers
• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material
• Continually reviews new developments in MRI and general imaging
• Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible films and scans for diagnostic purposes
• Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief - Radiology Service
• The rotation may include general imaging - MRI
• Performs irregular hour emergency exams with on-call coverage for nights - weekends - and holidays
• The schedule is on rotational basis based on number of qualified staff
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
• 10:30am-7:00pm
• Subject to change based on the needs of the facility
• 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
• Functional Statement #: 629-01297-F