Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Interventional Radiography)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

South Texas Veterans Health Care System seeks a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR) to perform interventional procedures across head, neck, spine, chest and body. The role requires extensive knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy, using advanced imaging and subtraction techniques in interventional radiology.

The incumbent must hold ARRT (R) certification with advanced credentials for applicable modalities, and meet VA credentialing standards.

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen.
• ARRT certified in Radiography (R). Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties when performed independently.
• Completion of a full-time 24-month diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by certificate or associate degree.
• Credentialing per 42 CFR Part 75; meet DOE-recognized accreditation standards.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing as required by VA.
• Grandfathering provision may apply to eligible current VHA employees.

Responsibilities

• Perform vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body.
• Apply knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy during procedures.
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced interventional radiology equipment and imaging systems.
• Adhere to credentialing, safety, and quality standards per VA policies and guidelines.

Skills

IR procedures

Vascular anatomy

Digital subtraction angiography

Contrast administration

PACS imaging

Education

Associate degree or certificate in diagnostic radiologic technology

JRCERT-accredited program

ARRT certification (R)

Tools

Digital subtraction equipment

Interventional radiology equipment

PACS

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR) is responsible for the performance of all vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. This position is assigned to the Diagnostic Imaging Service within the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). 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

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
• 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).]
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Grandfathering Provision. 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). All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

Grade Determinations

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR), GS-09:

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of GS-8 experience may include but are not limited to: Experience in the specialty of Interventional Radiography (IR) requires additional knowledge vascular systems and major vessel anatomy; Knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures; Administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures; knowledgeable in digital imaging and PACS.

And

• KSAs. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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.

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

Preferred Experience

• One (1) year of Interventional Radiology experience
• One (1) year of Digital Fluoroscopy experience
• Two (2) years of Diagnostic Radiology experience

Reference

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, to stand and walk. Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2 hours); Standing (2 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Hearing without aid; Mental and emotional stability.