Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform routine radiography and patient care in a clinical setting.

The position requires proficiency in English and VA-required education and certification, with emphasis on safety and radiography standards. Responsibilities include operating X-ray equipment, explaining procedures to patients, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Citizenship in the United States (or eligible per VA policy).
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Complete a full-time training of at least 24 months in radiologic technology or equivalent.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Education evidence by a certificate or associate degree from JRCERT or recognized DOE accrediting body.

Responsibilities

• Operate radiographic equipment and perform routine radiographic procedures.
• Explain procedures and potential hazards to patients in understandable terms.
• Troubleshoot equipment and report major malfunctions promptly.
• Maintain patient safety and radiation protection standards.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Associate degree in radiologic technology

ARRT (R) certification

Job description

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.

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.
• Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education: You must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration or equivalent in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program.
• Certification: You 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.
• 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

In addition to the Basic Requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

GS-5 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

1) Experience or Education.

None beyond the basic requirements.

2) 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 7 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

1) Experience or Education.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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.

2) 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.

3) 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

1) Experience or Education.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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 to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.

2) 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.

3) 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

1) Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

2) Assignments.

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.

3) 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.

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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.