The incumbent performs screening as well as diagnostic CT and mammography examinations. Primary duty is mammography but will fill in during vacations, sick leave and as necessary to keep CT machine operational. Incumbent will ensure 20% of time will be working in CT monthly.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Receives patients, explains methods of procedures, positions patient, selects, sets up, and adjusts accessory equipment if required, and makes exposure necessary for the procedure. Interviews patients for history of previous mammograms, pregnancy potential, and reschedules examination as necessary. Interviews patients regarding medical history pertinent to exam and annotates on mammography questionnaire. Places patient in appropriate positions, adjusts equipment, places film cassette in proper position, and exposures for determined length. Examines patient's breasts for skin lesions and scars, annotates mammography questionnaire and places skin markers if required. Prepares reports/interpretations for filing in patient's film file. Prepares patients, i.e., procedure instructions, expectations, preparations of the breast for injection of contrast materials, harvesting of tissues under sterile conditions, and prepares sterile tray to anticipate arrival of the staff radiologist. Consults with the radiologist on difficult diagnostic cases regarding prior demonstrated breast disease and the best diagnostic approach to pursue. Screens all consultations received for breast imaging procedures to include screen film mammography, ductulgrams, cysts aspirations for criteria of established departmental examination requirements. Screens and accepts requests from outside facilities for technologist attendance for instruction and clinical training in mammography and other breast imaging practices. Provides sophisticated diagnostic radiology technologist services in the subspecialty area of computerized tomography (CT) utilizing helical/spiral or multi-detector CT technology. Receives routine, urgent, or emergency patients for CT examinations, explains the CT procedure to the patient, positions the patient on CT table, and acquires the appropriate radiologist approved CT examination. Performs CT exams per organizational approved standard protocols or protocols determined by a staff radiologist. Determines the required technical factors and machine settings to safely satisfy specific exam requirements. Demonstrates familiarity with basic radiation protection principles. Prepares rectal or oral contrast media and administers this contrast media to patients within the Imaging Service prior to performing their scan per either modified or approved standard protocols under a radiologist's directive. Inserts appropriate intravenous (IV) lines into patients prior to IV contrast administration when necessary. Prepares and administers intravenous iodinated contrast media to patients during their scan per modified or approved standard protocols under a radiologist's directive. Can recognize the signs and symptoms of a contrast reaction and knows what steps to take in the event of a contrast reaction. Incumbent has knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed. Ensures that IV contrast media that is placed into the contrast warmer is labeled with appropriate day, month, and year. Maintains a daily temperature log for the IV contrast warmer. Performs daily QC tests on the CT equipment, using an appropriate CT phantom as required. Schedules patients for CT examinations when necessary. Rearranges the exam schedule under the guidance of the CT section supervisor to ensure that critical patients are scanned, or critical exams are performed in the most expeditious manner. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, scans taken, etc. Advises radiologists or referring physician when a particular exam has been completed, when requested. Will have knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Will have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determined proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Notifies a radiologist of any recognized significant abnormality that may require immediate attention while patient is undergoing the examination. Performs operator preventive maintenance as required. May be required to print hard copy films of CT examinations from a laser printer. May be required to perform specialized image post processing such as 3D reconstructions or vessel analysis. Reviews new developments in the field and makes recommendations to the supervisor of the section that may improve patient safety or the operation of the section. Will have knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills and universal protocols. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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).(1) 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. 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 partof the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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-10 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes full range of general radiologic imaging exams, broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. NOTE: to be equivalent to the GS-9 level, experience must also be earned while having an Advanced AART Certification. Certification. Advanced American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) (MR). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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. Preferred Experience: Current credentials ARRT- DRT (R) Current credentials ARRT- (CT) Current credentials ARRT- MAMMOGRAPHY (M) Proficient in venipuncture Familiar with and/or responsible for FDA & ACR inspections References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).

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.

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) https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/ or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home

Note: If your school has changed names or is no longer in service, this information must be submitted with your application.

Contacts

• Address VA Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]