Job opening: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Salary: $62 100 - 76 806 per year
Published at: Oct 19 2023
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Duties
Duties include but not limited to:
Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers.
Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the lnterventional Anesthesiologist informed.
Vast knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, with the ability to recognize unusual images and determines proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
Prepares and has knowledge of different contrast materials under the direction of the lnterventional Anesthesiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Patient consent may need to be obtained in certain patients. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, iodinated contrast, gastrografin, barium, enema bags and various other supplies. Sets up and prepares sterile surgical fields and prepare patients for arthrograms, injections or drains. Demonstrates knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
Responsible to the lnterventional Anesthesiologists for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of quality of radiographs while minimizing radiation dosage and reducing costs.
Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved with the utilization of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, time and distance and collimation.
Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally with the ability to adjust the image quality.
Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be xrayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing the DEXA scanner.
Checks system for operation and assesses acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Examines equipment for calibration and adjusts as needed.
Participates in education and training opportunities related to the technical and clinical operation of diagnostic imaging equipment.
Demonstrates personal initiative in following safe work practices to include wearing of appropriate PPE (lead shielding, goggles, etc.), learning and following safety rules, and encouraging all others to do the same.
Assists lnterventional Anesthesiologist in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgments when necessary to deviate from standard procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 534-53043F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized:
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
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.
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).]
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:
GS 9: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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:
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 (*):
1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
3.*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.
Preferred Experience: None
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.
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Physical Requirements: This position requires heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, prolonged standing, repeated bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling with and without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. Reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required). Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; distinguish basic colors; good hearing (aid permitted); good vision; speed in working and emotional stability. Must have the ability to Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Lead Apron) for periods of time. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.
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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
109 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401
US
- Name: Todd Bellamy
- Phone: 704-638-9000 X16469
- Email: [email protected]
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