Job opening: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Salary: $65 403 - 85 021 per year
Published at: Jan 03 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
Employees at this grade are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently for Radiology at Chalmers P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level clinical instruction, and basic Quality Management type duties within the program. Works under the direction of the Chief of Radiology by way of the Radiology Supervisor with minimal oversight
Duties
Functions of Scope of Assigned Duties.
a. Receives requests or instructions to independently perform both diagnostic and MRI procedures as well as other collateral duties as assigned. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Performs as technologist in charge when assigned. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required.
b.Reviews MRI protocols and patient lab results prior to beginning exam. Performs point of care testing to determine whether creatinine levels are appropriate for contrast studies. Promotes and practices MRI safety.
c. Confers with the radiologist to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning, number, thickness and cut of scans, etc., to comply with the specified MRI exam requested.
d. Maintains knowledge for appropriate positioning, this includes knowledge of MRI management software to perform specific exams; enters exam into computer which has standard preselected digital settings for each MRI procedure to select, view and transfer images. Manages troubleshooting operations (such as when unit has gone down due to a failure and must be brought up again); and manual override procedures to finish a series of scans when external conditions would otherwise cause the machine to shut off.
e. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results. Also, cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or intravenously under supervision by the Radiologist.
f. Operates digital radiography equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and ensures that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied for every exam. (As low as reasonably achievable). Performs daily and weekly quality assurance tests to ensure proper equipment function.
g. As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as, but not limited to, IVP, urethrograms, G.I. series, modified barium swallow and barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the exam room. Ensures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are available.
h. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care. Accesses the medical record as necessary to view laboratory results or to verify exam order.
i. Reviews new developments in the profession and makes recommendations to implement processes which would improve radiology operations.
j. Assesses factors that may contraindicate the procedure such as patient mobility, current physical or mental status, or other factors that may not allow for a safe working environment.
k. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Cleans equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and quality control. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner.
l. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities as needed. Notifies radiologist if scan requires their immediate attention.
m. Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist captures digital radiographs, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting to PACS. This procedure requires a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in digital radiography as lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph.
n. Attends and participates in radiology department staff and specific sectional meetings. Acts as subject matter expert for both radiography and MRI.
o. May be sent as a senior representative of the radiology department for facility-wide or higher-level meetings.
p. May act as Late Duty Technologist or Weekend Technologist when coverage for Urgent Care Clinic is required
q. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91582-A
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
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.
Qualification Requirements.
All candidates must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after completion of a full time 24-month training course or equivalent post high school program. Reference VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. Employees brought in at a lower grade must have one year of experience at that level or its equivalent prior to being qualified for promotion. Advanced certification in CT is required for those working in that modality.
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).
Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the
candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedure, and post-procedural care of patients.
Preferred Experience:
Customer Service
Ability to work independently and as a team
3 years MRI experience
Knowledge of healthcare systems
Knowledge of a PACS system
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and 12/27/2023 15:08 EST Page 4 of 6 muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be 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:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Contacts
- Address Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic
420 North James Road
Columbus, OH 43219
US
- Name: Brent Nixon
- Phone: 614-257-5503
- Email: [email protected]
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