Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Multi-Modality

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at the GS-10 level to support General Radiology and specialty sections, including CT, MR, and mammography. The role requires ARRT (R) certification and advanced credentials in select modalities, with duties distributed across modalities not exceeding 25% each.

Applicants must have completed a JRCERT-accredited program or equivalent and meet English language and citizenship requirements.

Qualifications

• ARRT certification in Radiography (R) and advanced ARRT certification is required for CT, MR, Mammography, ultrasound subspecialties.
• Completion of a full-time radiologic technology program (24+ months) evidenced by certificate or associate degree.
• Must meet the basic eligibility requirements including citizenship and English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic radiologic procedures in General Radiology and specialty sections as needed.
• Maintain ARRT certification and operate independently in assigned modalities.
• Adhere to radiation safety, QA/QC, and imaging protocol standards.

Skills

ARRT Certification

English Proficiency

Radiology Knowledge

Education

JRCERT-accredited program

Certificate or associate degree

Tools

PACS

CR/DR Systems

Imaging software

Job description

The DRT will have full knowledge of equipment and protocols/procedures in General Diagnostic X-Ray, and the two additional specialty sections of Radiology, and may be asked to perform duties in all sections dependent on departmental needs. Each area of duties will typically be performed no more than 25% of the time. The DRT Multi-Modality Technologists will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R), and specialty areas.

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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification. All applicants for this role must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). 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. Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignment that include the below and indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty:
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
  • Mammography (M)
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound (S)
• 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).] 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.

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). Please see more details in the "Required Documents" section.

Grade Determinations

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist ARRT (R)(CT)(MR)(M)(IR), GS-10

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

2) Assignments.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.

Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
2. 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.
3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Specialized Assignments.

Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR)

General Radiologic Technology (R).

DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

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.

Computed Tomography (CT).

This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter[1]relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)

This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.

Preferred Experience:

Proficiency in at least two advanced modalities.

Reference:

https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements:

See Additional Information