Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/ Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) Technologist

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

Job summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/PACS Technologist supports the PACS Administrator in coordinating, operating, maintaining, and optimizing the Picture Archiving and Communication System across the VA Central Texas system.

This role may involve advanced duties in CT, MRI, or Mammography where certified, and requires a foundation in ARRT radiologic technology with JRCERT-accredited education and English proficiency for clinical practice.

Qualifications

• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification required for CT/MRI/Mammography duties as applicable.
• Completion of a 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program (JRCERT-accredited).

Responsibilities

• Provide support and troubleshoot PACS hardware and software.
• Perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities.
• Instruct users in proper operation of imaging hardware and software.
• Coordinate contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiate repair requests.

Skills

PACS systems

Education

ARRT Certification (R)

JRCERT Accredited program

Job description

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Technologist serves within the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). The incumbent assists the PACS Administrator/Manager in the coordination, operation, maintenance, and optimization of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and associated digital imaging systems throughout the healthcare system.

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).

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). 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 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).
  • NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

Grade Determinations: GS-10
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.

Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist.

The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

• Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
• Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
• Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
• Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
• Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
• Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Preferred Experience

• Five years or more DRT experience, PACS education
• Prior experience with Change Healthcare PACS

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 work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.