Summary
This position is located within Radiology Services at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers - Jr. VA Medical Center - Memphis, TN. The Interventional Radiography (IR) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) provides patient-centered care services with an emphasis on safety, effectiveness, and cost considerations in care delivery and planning.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with VA Policy.
- Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments involving computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M), performed independently, as applicable.
- Education: Completion of a 24-month full-time training course or equivalent in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, accredited by JRCERT or other recognized agencies.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
- Additional Qualifications: May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision if current VHA employee and meet criteria.
Grade Determinations:
- At GS-8, serve as staff DRTs at full performance level, capable of providing services in specialized or general radiologic technology with minimal oversight.
- Experience: At least one year at the previous grade demonstrating necessary competencies.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system operation, calibrate equipment, interpret clinical records, monitor physiologic changes, demonstrate tact and courtesy, and recognize anatomical and pathological images.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform duties involving lifting, standing, bending, transferring, and other physical activities without assistance. A health examination is required prior to and periodically during employment.
Duties
- Provide radiographic examinations of the skull, torso, extremities, and routine physical exams, including on patients with severe injuries, deformities, or limited cooperation.
- Assist with complex procedures such as carotid angiography and contrast studies, often in collaboration with radiologists or higher-grade technologists.
- Perform bedside and operating room radiography, using portable and mobile units, including in surgical settings.
- Operate fluoroscopic units and ensure high-quality radiographs while minimizing patient dose and costs.
- Practice radiation safety, maintain records, and ensure proper identification of patients and images.
- Monitor and maintain equipment, supplies, and sterile conditions, and participate in quality assurance activities.
- Explain procedures to patients, monitor vital signs, and respond to adverse reactions when necessary.
- Work schedule: Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Call required. Telework not available.