This position is located in the Diagnostics & Therapeutics (D&T) Service Line at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/Mammography Technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of all exams performed in the Mammography Section.
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: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). 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). 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. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Specialized Assignments. Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification. This position requires ARRT Certification in Mammography. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. The grade in which the candidate will be selected is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Work is physical and demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items and transferring patients with use of moving implements
The incumbent will have administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards in mammography digital breast tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast ultrasound interventional procedures, stereotactic biopsy, and breast MRI. The incumbent assists with organizing and managing a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section and assisting the department at annual FDA/MQSA inspections. The incumbent works closely with technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction. The incumbent assists with tracking and coordinating annual and semiannual equipment inspections and preventative maintenance with Biomedical Engineering, and reviews and acts upon their recommendations. Knowledge of breast anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and function of the breast, and knowledge of changes to the breast caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of Mammography imaging to include all breast imaging examinations including QA, mammography, and interventional procedures of the breast. The incumbent requires specific knowledge and training of the location, appearance, and function of the breast to interpret the examination request accurately; understands the functioning and inter-relationship of the breast imaging techniques and modalities using the methods and techniques which will identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image, has the ability to assess factors that may contraindicate procedures. The incumbent will participate in rotation of X-ray, general fluoroscopy, and OR fluoroscopy as needed. Duties performed by incumbent: 1. Obtains images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist. The incumbent must evaluate the patient body habitus based on the patient's age, size, condition of skin (placing markers if indicated), position limiting disabilities and previous breast augmentation or surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings. The incumbent must also evaluate the patient to determine the most effective method of communication with the patient. 2. Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment to provide optimal visualization. Incorporates equipment components to obtain all required visualization, including angulations, compression paddles, and manipulation of imaging factors. 3. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems. Performs additional mammographic projections from protocol or direction from Radiologist. Procedure requires extensive knowledge of special projections and non-standard patient positioning that is essential to resolve problems. 4. Must recognize and accommodate for patients with post radiation changes and patients who have undergone mastectomies. 5. Stocks room with supplies needed to perform examinations and provide emergency treatments. Prepares the room and equipment necessary prior to each patient examination. Interventional Breast Procedures: The incumbent assist with a variety of interventional breast procedures. This includes interventional breast procedures performed with radiologic, sonographic, or other imaging guidance. The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of imaging examinations and for ensuring proficiency and compliance of staff to all facility, and accreditation standards for breast imaging .Duties performed by staff and incumbent include: 1. The incumbent assists with interventional breast biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed, knowledge of supplies, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Incumbent will work with the radiologist/ physician as a member of the surgical /mammography team. 2. Interventional breast procedures performed may include, but are not limited to, biopsies, localizations, aspirations, ductograms, and contrast studies. 3. Confirms doctor's orders and checks patient identification. Discusses procedures with patient and verifies that patient does not have allergies. Provides the patient with procedure instructions and positions the patient appropriately for the exam to be performed. 4. Sets exposure factors. Takes necessary scout images as ordered by radiologists prior to procedure and labels correctly. 5. Ensures all prior images are available for radiologist. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30a-4:00p Functional Statement #: 21Y70-O