The Diagnostic Radiology Technologist located in the Radiology Department at the VA Health Clinic (HCC) in Montgomery, Alabama, assists the Radiology Department performing all aspects of routine radiology procedures. This includes the use of CR readers, proper techniques, positioning knowledge, radiation safety, orthopedic exams, and other related procedures as necessary.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Incumbent will use specific knowledge of human anatomy, including cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including peripheral vascular, spine, abdomen, CT angiography, brain, and virtual colonography. Ability to determine the consistency of masses with the aid of the CT Software as (cystic or solid) and their relationship to adjacent abdominal structures. Records CT scan radiation doses and documents dose on patient order form for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report. Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation. Receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Monitors vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and emergency measures to Include AED. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images docs not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I D. and the request are identical. Use of double-identifiers is required. Responsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic. Exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Performs quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units are correct for diagnostic Interpretation of each scan. Records and maintains a log of calibrations and notifies biomedical engineering of any deviation from normal scanning parameters. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of slices, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements and high-standards of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires preparation of surgical sterile techniques. This requires preparation of surgical trays, assuring that au preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient This is done to minimize hazards associated with Invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc., after exam. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps', proper attire, and hand washing practices. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Radiology team. The alertness of the Individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipates technique factor difficulties, etc. Starts IV's, prepares contrast materials, and under direction of the radiologist injects contrast for imaging procedures. Observes patient and immediately notifies Radiologist when a reaction is suspected. Performs Intravenous injections of Contrast Material with pressure injection system. Practices safe use of the pressure injector and injects IV contrast material at injection rates provided by the Radiologist or pre-defined In the CT Exam protocol manual. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure lo patients, staff and self. Performs 3-D reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Completes procedures by ensuring au Images have been transmitted, and exam closed out in VistA. Properly identifies patient images. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so patients understand what Is to be done as well as what hazards. Responsible for ordering, stocking, and inventory of all supplies. Maintains sterility; cleans portable equipment after each case and as needed; and reports malfunctions to bio-medical engineer; and makes coordination to have equipment ready for service. Ensures staff In the OR is wearing protective shielding and monitoring devices. Trains staff and student technologist. Coordinates with radiology staff in the main department to ensure images are transmitted, digitized, read, and reported in a timely manner. Prepares room and equipment for procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-764-FS 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: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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.] c. 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).] d. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] 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 Requirements: Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (3) 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Preferred Experience: Computed Tomography (CT) and Radiology registered required. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25,Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist qualification standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

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 Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Krista Sanfelippo
• Phone: (414) 949-2566
• Email: [email protected]