Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-647, to perform routine to complex radiographic exams using fluoroscopic and general diagnostic units. The role requires ARRT certification, complete radiologic technology education, and adherence to safety standards.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and capable of operating advanced imaging equipment, with on-site responsibilities in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• ARRT (R) certification; advanced certs for CT/MRI/Mammography as applicable.
• Education: 24 months in radiologic technology program; certificate or associate degree accepted.
• English proficiency in spoken and written form.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine to complex radiographic examinations.
• Operate fluoroscopic, chest, portable, and C-arm imaging equipment.
• Ensure patient safety and radiation protection standards.
• Document procedures and ensure image quality meets standards.

Skills

ARRT (R) certification

Radiography knowledge

PACS & basic computer skills

Education

24-month diagnostic radiologic technology program or equivalent certificate/associate degree

Tools

CR/DR imaging systems

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-647 (Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic), performs routine to complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, chest units, portable units, c-arm's and general diagnostic units. The purposes of these exams are to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be affected.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States.
• 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. 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).
  • 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). This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician.
• 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).
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).

Reference

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

GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

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.

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. 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 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
5. 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

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS 5-GS 8.