Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform general diagnostic radiography across body regions, including fluoroscopy in outpatient clinics and operating rooms.

Candidates must be ARRT-certified, complete a 24-month post-high school program, and meet credentialing standards. Advanced certification is preferred for CT, MRI, or Mammography duties. Grandfathering applies for current VA employees.

Qualifications

• Certified in general radiologic technology by the ARRT (R).
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program.
• Credentialing per 42 CFR Part 75; valid registration and licensure where applicable.
• English language proficiency as required by federal standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform general diagnostic radiography across body regions.
• Operate fluoroscopy including C-Arm in OR and outpatient settings.
• Ensure patient safety and adhere to radiation protection standards.

Skills

Radiography experience

Fluoroscopy experience

Operating room experience

Education

24-month radiologic technology program

Tools

CR readers

PACS

Digital Imaging systems

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is required to provide services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general diagnostic radiology services. Performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations both in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm and portables).

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Please see the Additional Information Section of this announcement for details.

Preferred Experience:

• Creditable experience as a general radiographer and complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Experience in an operating room setting
• Two or more years stand-alone setting/clinic

Grade Determinations:

GS-05:

None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-06:

Experience. 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:

• 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.

GS-07:

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:

• 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 systems.
• e. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

GS-08:

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

• 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 record, 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 can be found at the VA Qualification Repository, VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), GS-0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist VA Qualification Standard, Dated 12/13/2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.