Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Oklahoma City seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-9) to perform radiologic procedures and support patient care. The role may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with program approval and appropriate eligibility.

Applicants must hold ARRT certification and complete an accredited radiologic technology program, with on-the-job training available for advanced modalities as applicable. English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• Requires ARRT (R) certification; advanced ARRT may be required for CT/MRI duties.
• Completion of a full-time training program of at least 24 months in radiologic technology.
• Candidate must be proficient in English, both spoken and written.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic radiologic procedures as assigned and ensure image quality.
• Monitor patients during procedures and communicate with radiologists.
• Coordinate with clinicians and maintain accurate patient records.

Skills

ARRT certification

English proficiency

Anatomy knowledge

Patient care

Education

Certificate or Associate degree in Radiologic Technology

Tools

Radiologic imaging equipment

CT/MRI knowledge

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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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 2 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).

Grade Determinations

GS-9

Experience or Education.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level such as:

• 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.

A ND

Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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

The vacancy for an above the full-performance level GS-9.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. Some pushing and pulling. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, ability to distinguish basic colors, speed in working, and emotional stability. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).