Career Center

Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units and general diagnostic units. Direct radiography (DR) and digital imaging are used to capture and process images. The images are then stored digitally in the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The purpose of all these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. 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: 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). 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees 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 all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-08 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: To perform in a fully successful manner. the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting. standing, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. There will be exposure to blood and body fluids. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Interacts with Veterans, family members, caregivers, providers, and other staff either in person or by phone in the daily duties of the Radiology Department. Assists Radiologist during fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares oral contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for oral exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of barium suspension, Gastrografin, sodium bicarbonate crystals, and drinking cups. Responsible to the Radiologist and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient radiation dose and reducing costs. Advises Radiologist, participating providers or referring physicians of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologist assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film badges. The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the facility and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs imaging using direct radiography (DR). All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images (hanging protocol), patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (PACS), and burning of images to CD. Knowledge of procedures and hanging protocols results in accurate and properly processed radiographs. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface (VISTA). Presents completed examinations for interpretation, entering all pertinent information on records as well as documenting fluoroscopy doses on an electronic log sheet. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming two approved patient identifiers (such as patient name and full date of birth). Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that images are matched to the correct patient and sent to the correct electronic record, and to insure the correct exam is performed on the correct patient. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, potential adverse effects may be possible. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in all assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the Supervisor. Practices infection control according to the Radiology Department policy and facility MCM. Utilizes PPE as necessary. Flexible and knowledgeable in basic procedures in patient reception and file room, providing basic coverage for these areas when necessary. Schedules general X-ray exams to include general, fluoroscopic, and bone densitometry exams. Calls patients to schedule exams. Answers phones to scheduled exams or answer questions. Technologist must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Maintains current Talent Management System (TMS) training as required. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]