Diagnostic radiologic technologists perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

Duties

The Duties include but are not limited to: Primarily performs complicated radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjust accessory equipment required, makes exposures necessary for the requested examination and archives images. Performs all routine examinations such as head, chest, extremities, abdominal studies, fluoroscopy, c-arm and bone densitometry. Utilizes safe working practices and good judgment when lifting patients or supplies that may require assistance to avoid unnecessary injury. Utilizes quality control techniques and assures that examinations performed are properly archived. Monitors all radiology equipment for proper operation, makes minor adjustments on the spot, and reports malfunctions to the supervisor. Must be able to retrieve patient information and enter specific patient data to complete exams. This includes registering patients, technically dispositioning procedures, completing any paper work or follow-up and assuring that images have been digitally archived. Maintains records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken and technical factors used. Assures that images are properly archived into PACS. Understands the importance of complete and accurate statistical input into the department collection of information for strategic planning. Participates in on-the-job training of radiologic technologist trainees who are assigned to the VA through the affiliated teaching programs. Keeps work areas clean and orderly, stocks rooms with supplies, exhibits a professional appearance in dress and work habits. Maintains current knowledge of new developments in the field of Allied Health Sciences, as related to Radiologic Technology. Utilizes time efficiently in order to perform the required number of procedures and decrease wait time of the patient without compromising quality standards. Liaison for complaints and requests from patients, physicians and other personnel concerning activities in the Radiology departments such as: appointment schedules, examinations, policies and procedures. Observes and trains rotating x-ray students and technologists, medical clinic clerks, and volunteers that assist clerically or work within the department. Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms that patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Receives and interprets all radiology requests by reading the order and history. Registers the exam, cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS) as necessary and after consulting with the staff Radiologist. Properly labels patient images/films using L & R markers. Properly identifies images with correct patient information. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Radiographer must confirm the patient identity by verbally confirming the patient's name, social security number and or birthday. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: Intermittent Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53381-A 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). 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). 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. 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: GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. 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. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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. 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. 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. GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. 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. 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 Preferred Experience: Experience as an X-Ray Tech References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-25. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2024. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this announcement.

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 Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
• Name: Kasey Pershing
• Phone: 406-447-6141
• Email: [email protected]