Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist specializing in Mammography. This role involves performing complex imaging examinations and ensuring compliance with stringent quality assurance standards. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a dedicated team to provide high-quality diagnostic results while adhering to federal regulations. With a focus on continuous improvement and patient satisfaction, this position offers a dynamic work environment where your expertise will make a significant impact. Join a team committed to excellence in healthcare and contribute to the well-being of patients in your community.

Benefits

37-50 days of annual paid time off

Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks

Child care subsidy for eligible employees

Federal health/vision/dental insurance

Traditional federal pension

401K with contributions by VA

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship and English proficiency required.
• Completion of accredited diagnostic radiologic technology program is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex mammography exams and ensure compliance with QA/QC standards.
• Assist with managing a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section.

Skills

English Language Proficiency

Radiation Protection Knowledge

Advanced Imaging Software Utilization

Patient Positioning Skills

Knowledge of Mammography Techniques

Education

24-month Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Program

ARRT Certification in Radiography

Advanced ARRT Certification in Mammography

Tools

Mammography Equipment

Radiologic Technology Software

Job description

Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography Technologist position is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Radiology Service - Mammography section within the facility.

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).
• 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).
• Licensure/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.
• Mammography (M): The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast.
• Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast.
• The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with - and adhere to - all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography - radiation safety - and quality assurance requirements.
• Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA.
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.
• Grade Determinations: 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.
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's.
• 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.
• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of experience performing mammography exams in addition to breast special procedures (e.g stereotactic biopsy - mammography guided saving localizations) - and QA/QC testing and documentation.
• Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit this link.
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS10.
• Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary but also demands standing for long periods of time - walking - bending - twisting - and carrying light items.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30 - 2025 or until all positions are filled.
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 31 - 2024 - with subsequent application reviews every 2 weeks.
• If vacancies remain after September 30 - 2025 - then another announcement will be opened in October 2025.
• This Announcement will be used to fill multiple vacancies within multiple Services identified during the interview.
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of breast imaging examinations including Quality Assurance (QA) - Quality Control (QC) - mammography - and extensive knowledge of Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) - VHA certification in mammography - ACR accreditation in mammography - tomography - breast ultrasound - and image guided procedures.
• The incumbent will have significant administrative duties - including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy - FDA/MQSA regulations - and ACR standards in mammography - tomography - breast ultrasound - and image guided procedures.
• The incumbent assists with organizing and managing a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section and assisting the department at annual FDA/MQSA inspections.
• The incumbent works closely with technologists - radiologists - clinicians - and clerical staff to assure optimum QC - efficient coordination of activities - high quality diagnostic exam results - and patient satisfaction.
• The incumbent assists with ensuring all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up-to-date as required by the accrediting bodies.
• This includes personal qualifications - continuing experience - and educational experience required by MQSA for all the breast imaging physicians - technologists - and medical physicists.
• The incumbent assists with tracking and coordinating annual and semiannual equipment inspections and preventative maintenance with Biomedical Engineering - and reviews and acts upon their recommendations.
• Mammography: The incumbent is responsible for the performance of a variety of complex mammography radiographic exams including - but not limited to - screening and diagnostic mammography exams.
• The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of imaging examinations - and for ensuring proficiency and compliance of staff to all service - facility - and accreditation standards for breast imaging.
• Work Schedule: Full-Time - 7:00am-3:30 pm and/or - 7:30am-4:00 pm and/or - 8:00am-4:30 pm and/or 8:30am-5:00 pm.
• Weekends and Holidays when required.
• Tour of duty will be as clinic needs dictate and subject to change based on agency needs.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized.
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off 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).
• Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 502-00059-F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.