The incumbent performs diagnostic radiography examinations of the breast (mammography) for screening, diagnostic, and biopsy evaluations. The incumbent will also perform general diagnostic computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, thorax, abdomen/pelvis and extremities. The incumbent must be an ARRT registered technologist in both Computed Tomography (CT) and Mammography (M).

Duties

Employee performs as a fully functional Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with the specialization in Computed Tomography (CT) and Mammography (M) and has certifications in those areas. 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-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.] Confers with requesting services so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and ·sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. 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.] Serves as a registered mammographer performing routine to very difficult radiographic examinations of well and diseased breasts. Performs Radiologic procedures and examinations to include screening and diagnostic mammography, and breast interventional procedures and biopsies. Maintains strict adherence to mammography guidelines to ensure the integrity and consistency of mammographic studies. Must closely monitor the QC, phantoms, repeat analysis and other tests pe1fonned and required to ensure compliance with the established mandatory guidelines set by the regulatory agencies. Responsible to independently meet with the Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) inspector annually during a site inspection. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining and reviewing all documents for each day of operation throughout the past year with FDA inspector to ensure record compliance under MQSA and ACR regulations. Schedules patients for examinations. Receives patients, explains methods and procedures. and answers questions to allay fears. Sets and adjusts accessory equipment. Incumbent will perform other administrative & imaging duties in which they are trained and competent as assigned. *More duties are assigned Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 0730 AM- 4:00 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must 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). ARRT certification is required for assignments that include Computed Tomography (CT) duties as well as Mammography (M) performed independently: 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. 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). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Grade Determinations (GS-10): Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9) level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647, Dated December 13, 2019. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to routinely lift up to 45 pounds and occasionally perform heavy lifting/carrying of over 45 pounds; long periods of sitting, standing, and walking; intermittent periods of kneeling, bending, twisting, pulling/pushing, simple grasping, and occasionally reaching for objects above the shoulder; and advanced modalities involve long periods of fine manipulations (using keyboard for operation of scanner and computer databases).

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 Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital 800 Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65201 US
• Name: Stephen Handy
• Phone: 573-730-4800
• Email: [email protected]