Summary

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs complex imaging procedures in multiple modalities - based on the needs of the department - such as general radiography - computed tomography (CT) - and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Ultrasound or Mammography. The incumbent ensures patient safety - applies radiation protection standards - and uses advanced imaging software to produce high-quality diagnostic images.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) 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 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Credentialing Standards
• Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that people 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
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS
• Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Specialized Assignments
• Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - bone densitometry (BD) - mammography (M) - diagnostic ultrasound (S) - computed tomography (CT) - [] magnetic resonance imaging (MR) - [] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)] - quality management (QM) - [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist - MRI safety officer (MRSO) - imaging administrator - clinical program director - and clinical instructor.] GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist] - GS-10 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 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: 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 - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• ii
• 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
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Experience performing screening mammography examinations - including quality control and compliance with MQSA/ACR standards
• Experience in general diagnostic radiography - strong patient care skills - and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced outpatient environment is preferred
• 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-10
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-10

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Major Duties and Responsibilities Core Standards & Safety - Verify patient identity using two identifiers before imaging
• - Apply ALARA principles and monitor radiation dose
• - Maintain infection prevention practices and clean equipment per RME guidelines
• - Ensure accurate image migration to PACS
• maintain proficiency in PACS/CPRS/VistA
• - Monitor equipment performance
• report defects
• maintain QC logs
• - Maintain adequate stock of medical and cleaning supplies
• General Radiology - Perform diagnostic exams (X-ray - fluoroscopy - bone density - portable imaging)
• - Operate ionizing equipment
• adjust technical factors for optimal image quality
• - Transfer images to PACS for interpretation
• maintain productivity standards
• Computed Tomography (CT) - Operate CT scanner independently
• prioritize exams for efficiency and emergencies
• - Explain procedures
• monitor patient condition
• respond to adverse reactions
• - Assess contraindications (e.g. - renal function - allergies)
• review CPRS records
• - Prepare/administer contrast per signed orders
• maintain IV insertion competency
• - Collaborate with radiologists on protocols
• perform reconstructions as needed
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Maintain safe MRI environment
• enforce screening protocols
• - Develop and standardize MRI protocols with radiologist input
• - Train staff on MRI principles and procedures
• - Prepare/administer contrast
• maintain IV competency
• time sequences accurately
• - Position patients and adjust parameters for optimal imaging
• - Monitor QC
• report equipment issues
• maintain downtime logs
• Contrast Administration & Patient Monitoring (CT/MRI) - Prepare/administer contrast per signed orders
• verify indications and screen for contraindications
• - Insert/manage IV access
• use injectors safely
• - Monitor patient status
• respond to adverse events promptly
• Mammography - Receives patient - explains the exam - positions the patient and adjusts the equipment making all necessary mammographic exposures
• Obtains patient history and enters it into the mammography system
• - Tracks all patients using the mammography electronic tracking system - prints result letters and mails outpatient lay letters
• - Assists with protocol of mammography requests
• - Assists with uploading mammograms from other facilities - as needed
• - Coordinates scheduling with other departments as needed
• - Performs daily and monthly QA checklist as dictated by the FDA and ACR according to the Mammography Quality Assurance guidelines and maintains accurate documentation
• Ensure that mammographic examinations are done ONLY if the entire QA checklist is done and there are NO areas out of compliance
• - Checks patient's record in CPRS prior to procedures - annotates record as needed - and scans patient consent forms into the patient's record if electronic consent is not available
• In addition - completes patient incident forms in the JSPR system - and assists with clerical duties as needed
• - Performs other duties as assigned
• Administrative Support - Schedule/cancel patient appointments in VHA systems as needed
• - Support workflow efficiency and communication with clinical teams
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule:0730-1600 M-F 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: No