Performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, and obtains signed consents for examinations with contrast media. The incumbent is responsible for proper positioning of patients. Prior to exposure selects and sets technical factors. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.

Duties

GS-07/07 Performs procedures such as fluoroscopy, gastrointestinal examinations, conventional plain film radiography, tomography, ERCP, myelography, fluoroscopic guided, interventional procedures, portable radiography, computed radiography (CR), digital radiography, and operating room radiography. Supports radiologists and clinicians in the performance of these exams; anticipates imaging, and equipment needs before and during the procedure, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitates an efficient flow. Performs examinations of head, trunk and extremities for routine physical examinations and for diagnosis of illness or of injuries of accident victims. Performs radiographic procedures using the proper exposure techniques, including manual and photo timed exposures. These exams are performed using exposure tables, intensifying screens, buckies, collimators, filters, grids, and other technical aids to produce radiographic images of diagnostic quality with the minimum of retakes. Performs procedures using digital diagnostic units that provide fully integrated digital Bucky systems for routine skeletal diagnostics. These systems institute another step in a cassette-less environment. Digital technology unites the high ergonomics of Bucky technology and state-of-the-art detectors in imaging processing. Performs quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure, positioning, and annotation. Applies DR post-processing techniques such as window and leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to the PACS system, printer, workstation or archive. Monitors the examination by checking the computation, performance, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer generated data and images. Monitors the patient's physical condition. Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the supervisory technologist or radiologist as appropriate. Sets up the x-ray room assuring sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Prepares and administers contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under radiologist supervision. Monitors patient's vital signs during these examinations and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of adverse contrast reactions. GS-0647-08 a. Rotate as coordinator as assigned. The Coordinator will work closely with the Lead Technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to ensure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of assignments, high quality diagnostic exams results and customer satisfaction. Schedules exams to maintain the 1 flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency add-on procedure requiring immediate treatment. b. Operates state of the art hi-tech computerized diagnostic fluoro equipment, C Arms, CR (Computed Radiography) and DR (Direct Radiography) stationary and portable equipment, laser cameras, and computerized record systems c. Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Employee uses appropriateness criteria; the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient EMR or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the supervisory technologist or radiologist as appropriate. d. The technologist uses two of the three patient identifiers to verify that correct patient is being imaged and properly identifies radiographs/images with patient's full name and social security number preferably using the modality worklist. Properly mark radiographs/images with right or left markers, so as not obscure anatomic detail: technologist number of initials, date and time completed, indicating supine, erect or decubitus view. Case number must be present on all films/images. Status tracking of patients must be done for each exam. Status tracking must be completed in the computer before advancing to the next exam. Supports CPT coding compliance; utilizes appropriate CPT codes for the exams performed. Sends images to PACS; ensures images are transmitted successfully e. Performs the full spectrum of radiography and fluoroscopy following the department SOP on inpatients, outpatients and emergency patients of varied acuity. Performs ABI studies and DEXA scans as assigned. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, and obtains signed consents for examinations with contrast media. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, Multiple Shifts Available Telework: NO Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 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.] 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). 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). Grade Determinations: Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-6 [ ] (1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (2) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-7 [ ] (1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. (2) Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 [ ] (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. References: December 13, 2019 VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Gary Byles
• Phone: 919-286-0411 X4949
• Email: [email protected]