Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) to perform highly specialized breast imaging. The role requires independent work, adherence to MQSA standards, and advanced ARRT certification where applicable.

Qualifications include ARRT (R), a 24-month radiologic technology program, and English proficiency. This GS-10 position involves complex mammography duties, quality assurance, and patient care under regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Certification in general radiologic technology (ARRT R).
• Completion of a 24+ month diagnostic radiologic technology program.
• English proficiency required for duties and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex mammography examinations with precise positioning.
• Operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate screening and diagnostic mammography procedures.

Skills

Radiation protection

Advanced imaging software

Physics knowledge

Patient positioning

Education

2-year post-high school radiologic technology program (certificate/associate)

Tools

ARRT (R) certification

Job description

The Mammography Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs very difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast (mammography) utilizing a variety of specialized procedures that require precise positioning and produces quality results. They operate independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all mammography procedures and performs screening and diagnostic mammography examinations.

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.
• 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).
• Advanced Certification. 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.]
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

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

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

Specialized Assignment - Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (*GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

*Examples of GS-09 experience include, but are not limited to: 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Preferred Experience

• Breast Imaging Navigation Certification by National Consortium of Breast Centers.
• Experience with ACR accreditations, FDA/MQSA inspections and Breast Procedures.

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-10.

Physical Requirements

The technologist will perform Imaging studies while standing and will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room, in order to call the patient for their exam. There may be some standing, bending, and carrying of light items, such as carrying paperwork, utilizing the mobile Xray machine, and utilizing the C arm in the Operation Room. This requires repositioning the camera during an OR procedure or during a portable Xray completed on the unit. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. This position requires moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing (1 hour), reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (2 hours), standing (2 hours), both legs required (one may be compensated by prosthetic), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, hearing (aid permitted), other (PH code). Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Ability to reach above shoulder required. Both hands and use of fingers required. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely.