Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Brownwood (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Texas is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to oversee clinic radiology workflows and equipment, while maintaining the PACS system to ensure optimal performance.

The role collaborates closely with the Assistant Chief Technologist and Chief Technologist to support clinical operations. The position requires ARRT (R) certification, active English proficiency, and completion of an accredited radiologic technology program, with potential for advanced

Qualifications

• Certified in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R) is required.
• Advanced ARRT certification may be required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties, and may be earned on the job if not yet held.
• Completion of a full-time post-high school radiologic technology program (≥24 months) accredited by JRCERT or DOE-recognized accrediting body.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing as required by policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical and administrative oversight for the clinic radiology area, including workflow, equipment, and supply management.
• Maintain and optimize the Radiology PACS system.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Chief Technologist and Chief Technologist on clinical operations and quality improvement.

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist provides daily technical and administrative oversight for the clinic area, overseeing workflow, equipment, and supply needs. The role also includes maintaining the Radiology PACS system to ensure optimal performance and working collaboratively with the Assistant Chief Technologist and Chief Technologist.

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).
  • NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
• 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), and7407(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

None beyond the basic requirements. 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.

GS-6

Experience/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. Experience includes operating and monitoring 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• 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 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. Experience includes 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.

• 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 08

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. 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. Experience includes Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; different contrast material required for the requested study; radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures; computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems; PACS and basic computer skills.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• 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.

Preferred Experience

• One or more years' experience
• Performed routine x-rays, operates portable equipment and C-Arm fluoroscopic equipment
• Assisted radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic and spot fill examinations.

Reference

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

Qualifications Section continues in Additional Information Section below.