Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - General Radiologic Technology

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to perform general radiology examinations at the Cedar Rapids Outpatient Clinic. The role involves exams without contrast, coordinating with the VA radiology teams, and ensuring patient safety and accurate documentation.

Ideal candidates are ARRT-certified in Radiography with a 24-month program, good English proficiency, and the ability to work with RIS and PACS systems, contributing to high-quality diagnostic studies.

Qualifications

• Must be ARRT (R) certified in Radiography.
• Completed 24-month radiologic technology program or equivalent.
• Public Law 97-35 credentialing requirements apply and must meet DOE-recognized accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Perform general radiographs without contrast as assigned.
• Coordinate and supervise radiology workflow at the Cedar Rapids OPC.
• Maintain patient safety and radiation protection procedures.
• Document exams, manage RIS entries, and generate reports.
• Coordinate with Iowa City Radiology and other departments to ensure patient care.

Skills

English proficiency

Radiologic safety

Patient communication

Education

ARRT (R) certification

24-month radiologic technology program

Tools

RIS

PACS

Radiography equipment

Job description

Summary

Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at the (Cedar Rapids) Outpatient Clinic. These exams are performed without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Qualifications

• 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)
• 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
• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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)
• 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-5: Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-6: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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
• In addition to the experience/education 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-7: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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
• In addition to the experience/education 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-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
• 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: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/ 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

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include - but are not limited to: Performs all general routine radiographs
• Maintains effective supervisory control of the (Cedar Rapids) OPC Radiology area by coordinating - planning - organizing - and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments
• Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles
• Performs Quality Control procedures which may include (but not exclusively) the following: 1.Radiographic equipment mA linearity and reproducibility 2.Automatic exposure control density and field sensitivity 3.Reproducibility and accuracy of timer and KVP stations 4.Lead apron radiation verification
• Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff
• Administrative accountability for departmental equipment and supplies
• Anticipates needs for supplies and orders as needed
• Liaison for complaints and requests from patients - physicians and other personnel concerning activities between the VAMC and the (Cedar Rapids) OPC Radiology/department such as: appointment schedules - examinations - policies and procedures
• Works closely with the radiology staff at the VA Medical Center in coordinating and integrating all activities
• Troubleshoot equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments
• Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative
• Coordinates incoming and outgoing x-ray movements with the (Cedar Rapids) OPC and the VAMC
• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• Registers - requests - cancels - and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS)
• Compiles computer generated x-ray reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians
• Properly identifies patient films using Image Readers and L & R markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur
• The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls - collimation - and distance management
• Coordinates all activities of the (Cedar Rapids) OPC Radiology department with Iowa City Radiology department to provide maximum patient care
• Schedules patients for radiology exams at the (Cedar Rapids) OPC and the VAMC
• Coordinates all activities of the (Cedar Rapids) OPC Radiology Department with the VAMC Radiology Department
• Work Schedule: 08:00 to 16:30
• Monday through Friday Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (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)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized