This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), position is assigned to the St. Louis VA Health Care System, Radiology Service. Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) duties include but not limited to: Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Supervision is often administrative and employee consults with radiologist or higher graded expert for instruction clarification when needed. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians. Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts, detached clinics or in the absence of direct supervisor. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or by G/J/Peg tube. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment and maintains supplies. Operates computerized radiography, digital radiography, as well as conventional radiology equipment. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilo voltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Performs procedures such as general diagnostic exams, ER exams, portables, and performs procedures in the surgery suite with portable equipment and c-arms. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as bronchograms, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethrograms, G.L series, and barium and air contrast barium enemas, and therapeutic injections. Sets up the X-ray room, and assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Schedules patients for examinations. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Maintains logs of patients and procedures used. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required. Maintains proper supplies needed for exams. Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Cleans, makes minor repairs and adjustments to X-ray equipment, accessories, and automatic film processing machine. Processes exposed radiographs. The technologist captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Performs other duties as assigned by the service line to ensure efficient work flow and high customer satisfaction. Work Schedule: Variable/Rotating Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentives are Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. 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). 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must also demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: AART Certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. Use of mobile x-ray and ultrasound units in the main hospital and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the x-ray tube and/or ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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).]Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

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 St Louis Health Care System 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive St. Louis, MO 63125 US
• Name: Shannon Curry
• Email: [email protected]