Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- General/X-Ray

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to operate fixed and mobile radiology equipment under physician supervision, producing radiographic studies to support accurate diagnosis. Applicants must meet basic requirements: U.S.

citizenship, English proficiency, an accredited radiologic technology program (24 months or equivalent), and ARRT (R) certification. Ongoing education and safety standards apply.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 24-month radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT or DOE-recognized.
• Certification in ARRT (R) in Advanced Radiology is required.
• U.S. citizenship and English proficiency are required.

Responsibilities

• Operate fixed and mobile radiology equipment as part of diagnostic plan.
• Assist radiologists and medical officers in producing radiographic studies.
• Adhere to safety, image quality, and patient care standards.

Skills

Anatomy & positioning

Patient safety

Radiologic equipment operation

Basic computer skills

Patient communication

Education

Diploma/Certificate in Radiologic Technology

Associate degree in Radiography

Tools

ARRT Certification (R)

PACS & Digital Imaging Systems

Job description

The incumbent works within the Diagnostic Imaging Service (DIS) and performs technical work in support of DIS under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients(s) and supports radiologist and other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

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: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).
• 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).
• Certification: Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R).

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).

Grade Determinations:

In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6:

Experience For information only: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 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. Qualifying experience would be at the basic level operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision, functioning somewhat independently in carrying out standardized procedures of limited complexity, and would refer to the supervisor for deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.

• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7:

Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level (for a total of 2 years of DRT experience) or the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Qualifying experience would include performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature, explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards, troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment, reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.

• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8:

Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience explained above). Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.

• 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.

References:

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

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-06 to GS-08.

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

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.