Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The Richmond VA Medical Center is seeking a few Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) to perform a comprehensive range of radiographic examinations to support inpatient - outpatient - and Emergency Department patient care. The DRT ensures high-quality imaging - patient safety - and accurate documentation while upholding VA standards. This role requires technical proficiency - strong clinical judgment - and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

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)
• 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: GS-5 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 technologist 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 technologist for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties are performed under closer supervision
• GS-6 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
• Employees 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: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions GS-7 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
• DRTs 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: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• (c) 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
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• GS-8 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Preferred Experience: Experience performing fluoroscopy examinations and assisting with complex fluoroscopic procedures and experience working with medical residents - supporting training environments - and communicating effectively within a teaching hospital setting
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05 to GS-08.
  
  

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties and Responsibilities: Performs diagnostic radiographic procedures including routine exams - portable radiography - and fluoroscopy for inpatient - outpatient - and Emergency Department patients
• Properly marks all images with approved anatomical lead markers prior to exposure to maintain accuracy and compliance with VA imaging standards
• Prioritizes patient care based on clinical severity to ensure timely imaging for urgent and emergent cases in a fast-paced clinical setting
• Ensures correct patient identification and verifies all imaging orders
• resolves discrepancies when patient information does not match the requested exam
• Accurately positions patients - selects appropriate technical factors - and adheres to ALARA principles and radiation safety guidelines
• Sends - verifies - and manages images in the PACS system
• performs accurate case editing and ensures correct encounter association
• Transmits imaging studies to teleradiology services after hours for STAT interpretation to support timely clinical decision-making
• Participates in on-call duties - holiday rotations - and mandated overtime as required to support continuous departmental operations
• Communicates effectively with radiologists - residents - nurses - technologists - and other clinical staff to maintain efficient workflow
• Provides excellent customer service by assisting patients respectfully and professionally
• Functions as a collaborative team member and adapts to changing workload demands
• Knowledge of radiographic techniques - imaging equipment - PACS - electronic medical records - and teleradiology workflows
• Ability to prioritize tasks - respond to emergent situations - and work effectively in a fast-paced - multidisciplinary team environment
• Work Schedule: Various work schedules available (examples: 9a-5:30p M-F - 1:30p-midnight Th/F/Sa/Su - 8 am - 4:30 pm - with rotating On-Call and Holidays) Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized