Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications:

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.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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 2 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).
  • 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:
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level(GS-07), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Qualifying experience would include performing a full range of duties, receiving guidance on unfamiliar, unusual situations or more complex issues. Also providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

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.

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-08 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-08.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities:

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
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The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist serves the Beaver County VA Outpatient Clinic, performing routine diagnostic radiographic imaging procedures.

The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares oral and rectal contrast for fluoroscopic procedures. Obtains pre-procedure radiographs/images. Assists physicians with fluoroscopic exams. Performs the post-fluoroscopic radiographs/images for procedures, such as routine and air contrast studies of the gastrointestinal system, arthrogram, venograms, myelograms, ERCP and cholangiograms.
• Performs intraoperative radiographs/images or fluoroscopic procedures in the operating room or GU/CYSTO room utilizing C-arm fluoroscopic equipment, portable radiographic equipment, or fixed radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment.
• Assists the physician in obtaining laboratory values needed prior to the injection of contrast media, such as BUN and creatinine. Assists physician in obtaining laboratory values needed prior to performing invasive fluoroscopic procedures, such as PT, PTT, and INR values.
• Performs intraoperative radiographs/images or fluoroscopic procedures in the operating room or GU/CYSTO room utilizing C-arm fluoroscopic equipment, portable radiographic equipment, or fixed radiographic/fluoroscopic equipment.
• Screens female patients within childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Contacts physician when pregnancy possible. Uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patient during exposure.
• Properly positions patient for required views of requested procedure. Follows departmental guidelines for procedure protocol. Reference of proper positioning is made to Merrill's Atlas of Radiographic Positions and Radiographic Procedures.
• Maintains ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) exposures for patient, coworkers and self. Uses radiation safety devices, aprons and thyroid shield (optional) when performing procedures in which exposure is possible.
• Schedules inpatients and add on outpatients, contacts floor to request patients to be brought to department for procedure, and prioritizes workload to accommodate emergent and urgent procedures.
• Monitors patient's condition by observation and reports any unusual condition to physician, nurse, chief technologist, or designee of chief technologist. In emergent situations, calls emergency number and starts CPR procedures.
• Properly identifies patient before performing a procedure, verifying by asking identifiable information such as, social security number, date of birth, also checks patient's identification band against request.
• Maintain all equipment, ensuring cleanliness before and after each exam. Reports equipment problems to leadership. Maintain clean work areas and keeps supplies and linen stocked in assigned areas.
• Performs QA on images and send imaging to PACS, verifying the delivery of imaging and accuracy of images sent to PACS.
• Document fluoroscopic time and exposure, patient position, and procedures performed.
• Maintains certifications through ARRT ( The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). Adheres to ARRT Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal of Registration, ARRT Standards of Ethics, and ARRT Rules and Regulations.
• May be required to assist in the reception area or other non-technical functions as necessary to maintain proper continuity of radiology services.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Danielle.Stoker@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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)
Functional Statement #: 000000

Salary : $417