Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Memphis, Tennessee, Tennessee, 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. 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. 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates.

Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U. S. C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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.

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). 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 technician 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 technician 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 (GS-5) 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: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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 degreeprogram 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: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 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. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. 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 G-25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. [“diagnostic radiologic technologists (DRTs) prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All diagnostic radiologic technologists must be knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as entry level through full performance level DRT. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They also must troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing Equipment. Must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require direct supervision in any assignment area of general radiologic technology.

Performs radiographic examinations of the skull torso and extremities lor routine physical examinations, and for diagnosis ofillness or injuries to accident victims. Often these procedures are performed on patients with severe injuries from accidents, patients who will not cooperate due to their mental status, paraplegic and quadriplegic patients who are almost helpless and patients with deformities, which make it impossible to use routine techniques and positioning. ln collaboration with higher-grade technologists or radiologists assists with more complex procedures such as carotid aneriography or other contrast studies of the venous or arterial system. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional stafIon patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. , using ponable x-ray units and mobile fluoroscopic units to achieve these exams. Upon request, operates the fluoroscopic unit in the cysto suite. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level ofacceptability ofradiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. 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 technicians to assure compliance to radiation safety regulations wear film badges.

The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and panicipate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RlS) as well as the work list management portion ofthe HIS-RIS interface. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient’s condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Monitors equipment for proper operation, makes minor adjustments and reports malfunctions to supervisor and/or Biomedical Engineer.

Maintains required supplies in the radiographic room in a neat and orderly manner. Ensures that sterile supplies, contrast material, catheters or other required supplies are adequate and within the use by date. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Incumbent Required to take calls. Work Schedule: Various tours. On call rotations required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN9HREDRP@va. gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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