This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Ultrasound, position is assigned to the John J. Pershing VAMC Imaging Service.
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). 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). 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. 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: (GS10): Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS9) level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees 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 and intermediate QM type duties within the program. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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 studies. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Preferred Experience: Ultrasound to include Vascular, Cardiac and General Diagnostic X- ray. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647, Dated December 13, 2019.The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. Use of mobile x-ray, requires twisting, turning to manipulate the x-ray tube. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious of disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Ultrasound Technologist, employee at this level performs general, vascular and cardiac (echocardiograms) ultrasound as well as general diagnostic radiology procedures. Incumbent is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. Ultrasound is completed more than 75% of their time. This specialty modality uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in ultrasound, Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR), and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and is able to carry out his/her assignment independently. Performs, in a Hospital setting all ultrasound and radiology examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. May also perform vascular imaging, both arterial and venous. Knows and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound and radiology equipment to approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination. Technologist notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes, but is not limited to: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technologist notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technologist to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately. Assists in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgments when it is necessary to deviate from standard procedures. The technologist is responsible for ensuring that they have a proper working knowledge of the PACS system. This includes ensuring that all images are transmitted correctly and have the correct patient information. The technologist will navigate daily through PACS burning CDs, adding "sticky notes" and bringing any errors to the immediate attention of the PACS Administrator. The technologist preforms duties of a call technologist which includes general radiography. **Other Duties as assigned. Work Schedule: : Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: : Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required