The Diagnostic Radiologist Technologist will perform diagnostic radiology procedures under the direction of a radiologist with minimal technical supervision and oversight as needed to ensure competence in all areas. The technologist will be located at the VA Medical Center. However, the technologist will rotate or may be assigned to outlying clinics. The technologist will be required to work after hours and rotate weekends to include shift work and on-call.

Duties

Performs technical work in support of general diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist. Operates computerized radiology/imaging equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Utilizes computed and/or Digital and/or Direct Radiography and imaging network equipment to perform a variety of routine, as well as complex X-ray examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. As higher skilled radiologic technologist, interprets and directs the accomplishment of the most difficult requests. Confers with radiologist or a more senior technologist to establish requirements of non standard examinations. Understands, carries out or oversees the work of lower-grade employees to accommodate departmental goals. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Properly identifies the patient, and the images. Reviews radiology requests for technical soundness, accuracy, and conformity to policy and established requirements. Uses left and right markers and use appropriate patient identifiers before performing the procedures. Properly identifies patient and images upon completion of procedure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up the general X-ray room. Assures that contrast materials, or other required equipment and supplies are present and labeled appropriately. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. monitors vital signs and notifies radiologist of significant changes. Sets up the X-ray room and prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions. Independently performs general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or, in some circumstances, intravenously. Maintains competency and accomplishes venipuncture and Point-of-Care Testing when directed by the Chief of radiology. Performs 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 x-rayed in the Radiology Service. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Operates radiographic equipment to produce dexa scans and X-rays of chest, joints, feet, hands, long bones of arms and legs, and other routine views of other parts of the body. Perform X-rays of the skull, chest, pelvis, extremities, spine, and abdomen. Utilizes and operates all the Radiography Computerized Systems to include: Computed and/or Digital and/or Direct Radiography and all computerized/digital equipment that feeds the Imaging Network structure to perform all routine and complex x-ray examinations. Works independently, operating all equipment assigned, which includes general diagnostic equipment; portable units; C-arm units; bone density equipment, computed tomography and mammography units. Computed Radiography (CR) is utilized to perform examinations such as examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for routine physical examinations and for diagnostic illness or injuries from accident. Utilizes Digital Radiography and /or Direct Radiography (DR) and Computed Radiography to perform such procedures as: upper and lower GI studies as well as other unique fluoroscopic examinations. Incumbent is responsible for application of proper patient identification and examination demographics through specific computer systems and modality computerized station. Practices radiation and MRI safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. Participates in yearly visual and fluoroscopic inspections of Lead Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the entire VA Medical Center, VA Clinics, and VA Dental Services. Utilizes the PCR Reader (computerized image reader) enters procedure images into the Imaging Network (PACS) and validates its accuracy. Through the Easy Vision workstation (a computerized post-processing terminal), manipulates images/processes raw data to finely-tune quality. Upon completion of post-processing and quality control process, transmits completed studies to archive via the imaging network (PACS) for subsequent interpretation by the radiologist(s). Work Schedule: Full-time, Varying schedules Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 593-00187-F, 593-00188-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. OR 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. OR Meet the 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. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. 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), and7407(d) 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-5 Experience or Education- None beyond the basic requirements GS-6 Experience or Education- Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level such as but not limited to operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision, Diagnostic Radiologist Technician functions independently in carrying out these standard procedures of limited complexity. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. In addition to the experience above, OR Education: (transcript required) 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. GS-7 Experience or Education Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; OR Education: (transcript required)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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 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. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. ***ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED UNDER THE EDUCATION SECTION*** References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-8 Experience

• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  • Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
  • Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  • Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  • Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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 Las Vegas VA Medical Center 6900 North Pecos Road North Las Vegas, NV 89086 US
• Name: Tamiko Greely
• Phone: (916) 640-8042
• Email: [email protected]