Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fargo VA Healthcare System is seeking an intermittent Diagnostic Radiologic Technician who will perform radiologic procedures with emphasis on quality imaging and patient safety. The role includes potential CT/MRI/Mammo duties as assigned and requires ARRT certification and state-of-the-art radiology knowledge.

Experience with image quality, radiation safety, and teamwork in a high-demand hospital setting is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible per VA policy
• Certified in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties
• Education: 24-month radiologic technology program; JRCERT accredited
• Possibility for on-the-job training for non-certified entrants under supervision

Responsibilities

• Schedule and perform radiologic procedures; ensure patient safety and positioning
• Operate imaging equipment and maintain image quality and documentation
• Support intraoperative fluoroscopy and DEXA-related imaging as needed
• Adhere to radiation safety protocols and ALARA principles
• Explain procedures and potential hazards to patients and obtain consent

Skills

ARRT Certification (R)

Advanced ARRT (CT/MRI/Mammography)

English Language Proficiency

Education

Post-high school radiologic technology program (24 months)

JRCERT-accredited program

Tools

PACS

Job description

Summary

The Fargo VA Healthcare System is recruiting for an intermittent (as needed) Diagnostic Radiologic Technician. ***Salary noted is based on a full-time schedule. Actual salary will be pro-rated based on hours worked.***

Qualifications

• 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
• 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
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician - GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-6 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
• 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
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 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
• 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
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 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
• 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
• All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package
• We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications
• Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification
• It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package
• Preferred Experience: CT and Diagnostic General experience 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-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: 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.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Performs complex fluoroscopy in surgery environment
• These procedures are performed in the operating room under aseptic techniques
• The purpose of these exams is to provide diagnostic services in supporting the surgery team
• Verifies regions of interest (ROI) for reporting additional information when completing Imaging exams - DEXA scans
• evaluates quality of measurements for problems due to artifacts - pathology - etc.
• recommends additional scan as necessary
• flags values that require physician’s attention (low T-score
• unreliable results - etc.)
• and archives results
• The technologist evaluates quality of measurements and accuracy
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by technologists in compliance with radiation regulations
• Performs reconstructions of fluoroscopy studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Performs quality control procedures - which may include the following: 1) reject/repeat film analysis 2) inspection and cleaning of imaging plates or detectors 3) lead apron and glove radiation protection verification Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures
• Performs minor routine preventative maintenance as required
• Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to supervisor and or Biomed service representative
• Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• Properly identifies patient images with proper markers - modality work list
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number
• Responsible to explain exams and potential hazards that may occur as result of the exam to patients in terms the patient will comprehend and understand
• Explains any requirements of the patient for adequate study to be performed
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• The incumbent notifies the radiologists of exams requiring their immediate attention
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the appropriate use of radiation protection - and ALARA
• Films badges are worn by incumbent to assure compliance to ACR (American College of Radiology) and Federal regulations
• The incumbent must be aware and practice the safety policies/procedures of medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Work Schedule: Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty
• A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000