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:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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. COPY OF CURRENT CERT REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION PACKAGE.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• 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). COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS WITH CONFER DATE REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION PACKAGE.

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:
GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs, and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)

1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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-9.

Physical Requirements: Light and moderate lifting and carrying (up to 44 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (1-4 hours), repeated bending (1-2 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), mental and emotional stability, exposure to outside and inside, constant noise, working closely with others, working alone.

Responsibilities:

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist assists with procedures performed in the hybrid operating room or the standard operating room using the fixed imaging equipment or portable fluoroscopy units such as digital radiography, peripheral angiography, visceral angiography, cerebral angiography, and interventional & therapeutic procedures. Duties will include:

• Positions the patient within the hybrid operating room, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examination(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of imaging acquisition(s).
• Ensures that adequate quantities of Endovascluar/"specials" supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering, receipt and inventory.
• Assures that the hybrid operating room is stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies.
• Technologists' working in the hybrid operating room interprets and directs the most difficult requests to the attending physician.
• Trains new technologists, residents and fellows in digital angiography, venograms, spine guidance, and other special procedures including the use of mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures (using C-arms or portable X-ray units) within the sterile surgical environment.
• Participates in the evaluation of new employees. Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc.
• Performs cardiac, peripheral, and visceral angiography of the coronary arteries, ascending aorta, arch, descending thoracic aorta as well as abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, endovascular, etc. which involves the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc.
• Calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot mobile or fixed imaging equipment used in the operating room and digital archiving systems (PACS).
• Ensure the equipment is ready for use, reporting any malfunctions to biomedical engineers or supervisors.
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient.
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Works with the surgeons/interventional cardiologists as a member of the operating room team.
• Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media.
• In the hybrid OR, administers contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the proceduralist(s) and anesthesiologist.
• Registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA System, Radiology Package, and enters case number to case edit the patient's file and indicate that the procedure has been completed.
• Performs technical and general operation and maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc.
• Assists manufacture and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of any malfunctions in all equipment associated with the hybrid room Imaging Devices CPR/BLS certification is required and recertification in according with American Heart Association guidelines.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self, by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation.
• Ensures compliance to all VA/Local Guidelines and Policy on RME and Infection Control at all levels.
• Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, ensuring that appropriate films are annotated, copying of images (to PACS, CD or film), logging patients on the HIS-RIS work list.
• Performs irregular hour emergency procedures on-call, coverage and is required to participate in part of Call-Back, for the hybrid OR.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $93,564 - $200,000