Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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.

Duties

Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in Diagnostic Radiology in areas of radiologic technology, computed tomography (CT), and/or general radiologic technology services. Some duties include, but are not limited to: Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician and/or Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Operates radiology equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce CT studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize Clinicians needs and patient throughput while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Confers with Radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams. Performs CT procedures, including spine, head, abdominal and pelvic studies, chest, neck, extremities, special procedures and cardiac studies. Performs peripheral and CTI angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, and specialized cardiac studies etc. Performs all exams utilizing best infection control practices. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Imaging team. Prepares contrast materials both oral and intravenous. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the Radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient images. Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all procedure supplies and related materials. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day, coverage. Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT. Prepares images and dates for transfer to the hospital PACS for interpretation by the Radiologist. The incumbent will also perform the following responsibilities: Transfer patient from stretcher or wheelchair to CT table Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Maintains data logs of material used by entering information into CPRS/PACS computer. Observe patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Transfers images to PACS for interpretations. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Department. Provide guidance/assistance to staff in the Interventional Radiology section. Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times within age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines.

Requirements

Qualifications

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 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.] (1) 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. (2) Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (3) Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-9 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. 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: (a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: N/A References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25, December 13 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The technologist will perform Imaging studies while sitting or standing and will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room and reading rooms. There will be standing, bending, and carrying of light items, such as carrying paperwork, and operating heavier items such as utilizing the mobile X-ray machine, and utilizing the C arm in the Operation Room. This requires repositioning of the camera during an OR procedure or during a portable X-ray completed on the unit. Technologists will need to assist with the transfer of patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the radiographic table for Computed Tomography and/or General Imaging studies. Must be able to lift/move 40lbs or more.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Maryland Health Care System 10 North Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 US
• Name: Colin Brown
• Phone: (410) 642-2411
• Email: [email protected]