The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at this level provide services in Diagnostic Radiology in areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports Radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions.
Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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. (Certification REQUIRED) 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).(Transcripts REQUIRED) English Language Proficiency: 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. Grade Determinations: GS-5 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. 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. Assignment. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. 3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. 4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. 5. 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. Assignment. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs 1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. 2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 3. 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. 4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. 5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Full Performance Level): Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.***Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists at the GS-7 grade level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Assignments. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. 2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. 3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. 4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. 5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. 6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: Two years of experience as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technician.
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist maintains effective control of Diagnostic Imaging Services by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Secures Veterans confidence and cooperation during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients and adjust for patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or by G/J/Peg tube and determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment. Operates computerized radiography, digital radiography, and conventional radiology equipment. Determines technical factors calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilo voltage, and milliamperage, sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations and sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Performs procedures in the surgery suite with portable equipment and c-arms. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Performs procedures such as bronchograms, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethrograms, G.L series, and barium and air contrast barium enemas, and therapeutic injections. Sets up the X-ray room, and assures sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, and catheters. Schedules patients for examinations and registers patients for examinations and updates. Performs clerical and file room duties within the section and maintains logs of patients and procedures used. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, maintains supplies and performs minor maintenance. Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use and performs routine maintenance recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Processes exposed radiographs and performs picture archival duties. Captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. General knowledge of computer operations and Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography. Performs other duties as assigned by the service line to ensure efficient work flow and high customer satisfaction. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm 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. 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. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000000 Permanent Change of Station: Not Authorized