Diagnostic Radiologic Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs at Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform and coordinate all diagnostic radiology examinations, with or without contrast, ensuring accurate results for patient diagnosis and treatment. Candidates must meet ARRT certification and education requirements.

Responsibilities include operating radiographic equipment, maintaining safety standards, and adhering to program-specific procedures and regulations.

Qualifications

• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Completion of a 24+ month post-high school radiologic technology program evidenced by a certificate or associate degree.
• Temporary appointment exception for non-certified entry level candidates may apply under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate and coordinate all diagnostic radiology examinations.
• Perform exams with and without contrast materials as required.
• Ensure patient safety and equipment operation during radiographic procedures.

Skills

ARRT Certification

Radiology knowledge

Patient safety procedures

Education

Post-high school radiologic technology program or equivalent (certificate/associate)

JRCERT accredited program

Tools

Digital Imaging systems

PACS

CR readers

Job description

This position is in the Radiology Service at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center (RRVAMC). Occupant operates as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic radiographic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. 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

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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 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 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 technologist in performing more complicated examinations.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• (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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7

Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower graded 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 degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or 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

• (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 system.
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8

Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower graded level GS-7 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Assignment: 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

• (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 records, 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Full Performance Level

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