Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-0647-10) to join the cardiac catheterization team. The incumbent will independently perform complex physiological and radiological procedures, including CT, MRI, and mammography tasks as applicable, in a demanding clinical environment.

Requirements include U.S. citizenship, ARRT certification (R), and advanced credentialing for specified modalities.

Qualifications

• Required certification in radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties performed independently.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or recognized DOE accrediting body.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex physiological and radiological procedures.
• Adapt procedures to patient needs while maintaining safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Radiologic technology

Imaging principles

Education

Certificate or AS degree in diagnostic radiologic technology

Tools

CT

MRI

Mammography

Job description

This position is a member of the cardiac catheterization team and independently carries out a variety of complex physiological and radiological procedures.

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). 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 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.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-0647-10

Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) 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:
  • Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
  • Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
  • Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
  • Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.].

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-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.