The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Performs a variety of routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures on patients. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will be required to cover Waco, Austin, and Cedar Park when technical staff shortages occur. Positions patients, explains procedures, selects and sets voltage, time and other technical factors, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure.

Duties

Functions/Duties: Performs routine x-ray of the skull, chest, pelvis, spine, abdomen, and extremities for diagnosis of injuries and illness such as broken bones, sprains, and tuberculosis when unusual deviations from standard positioning and technical factors are often required to adapt to physical considerations such as deformities of body, injuries, or serious illness of patient. Assists radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic and spot film examinations which require administration of contrast material. Typical examples are gastrointestinal series, barium enemas, pyelograms and cholangiograms. Prepares contrast media. Administers contrast medial orally or by enemas, or under close control of radiologist intravenously. Provides clinical instruction for radiology technician students which includes positioning of patients, selecting the proper size film, measuring patient thickness to determine technical factors needed, handling of seriously ill patients and checking films as they are processed to be sure they are of good diagnostic quality. Evaluates the student's clinical ability periodically and grades their ability to determine their overall grade at the school. Maintains records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken, and technical factors used. Prepares film jackets and files film. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist must report to work on time, as scheduled, and demonstrate strict adherence to established dress code standards; appearance is expected to be neat, clean, and professional always. Annual educational and training requirements must be satisfactorily completed. Assigned duties must be consistently completed within designated times. Approved identification is required to be properly displayed while on duty. Imaging Service in-service and staff meetings are required to be attended when scheduled. The mission and vision of CTVHCS as well as the mission statement of the Imaging Service must be clearly understood and demonstrated by the incumbent. He/she is required to be knowledgeable about the Imaging Service's performance improvement projects/initiatives and participate in Imaging Service performance improvement activities when assigned. Compliance with all organizational policies, including but not limited to ethical business practices, Cyber Security, HIPPA, and Privacy Act is required. Conformance to the organization's infection control program through use of proper hand-washing techniques, personal protective equipment, universal precautions, etc. is expected and will be monitored. Compliance with Center and service policies that deal with coordination of leave, coverage during periods of absence, work priorities, and daily schedules is expected. Knowledge of radiation protection standards including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes, effects of radiation on living organisms, and the effects of x-ray technique on patient and operator exposure to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained and reassure patients who may be unfamiliar with x-ray safety procedures. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology such as the structure, location, and function of major organs and the skeletal system in ordering to locate areas of study by using anatomical landmarks, to identify organs appearing on the films to determine the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use, and to determine if standard positioning techniques might cause further pain or injury to patients. Knowledge of aspects of basic physics including the concepts of energy, electric power and types of electrical circuits, the construction and function of typical x-ray tubes, and the properties of x-rays, to understand the operation of x-ray equipment, monitor the equipment for proper operation, recommend minor changes to standard procedures to compensate for equipment aging, and determine when maintenance or repair is needed. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques including use of formulae for determining technical factors, how to control density, contrast, and distortion, and use of intensifying screens, buckys, collimators, filters, grids, etc., to produce high diagnostic quality radiographs with a minimum of retakes. Knowledge and skill in radiographic positioning of patients for x-rays of extremities, skull, chest, pelvis, spine, and abdomen, selecting alternate positions or modifying standard positions to adapt to unusual clinical condition of patient. Basic knowledge of positions required and skill in following directions of higher-grade personnel to perform fluoroscopic and spot film examinations such as barium enemas, gastrointestinal series or cholangiograms. Knowledge and skill in mixing and administering contrast material orally or rectally. Skill in repositioning patients and/or realigning x-ray equipment to follow sequence of the examinations. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS) 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 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. Grade Determinations: GS 05 (1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) 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 afunctional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. GS 06 (1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 05) 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 demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS 07 (1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 06) 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) 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. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS 08 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. GS 07 equivalent experiences include: see above GS 06 KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Continued in Additional Information

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Accreditation Information: 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) JRCERT: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in 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]