Members assigned to this position provide imaging services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiology services. The incumbent performs computed tomography examinations on all body regions, including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations, 3-dimensional reconstructions, dynamic contrast imaging, body CT, and CT angiography.

Duties

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Major Duties: Perform general diagnostic radiography examinations and procedures to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general to complex fluoroscopic examinations, in both inpatient and outpatient setting, as well as, in the operating room (C-arm). Assist radiologists in complex fluoroscopic examinations. Checks pertinent lab values and medications for contraindication to the exam to be performed and documents this review in the patient's record and/or applicable logbooks, spreadsheets, etc. as required. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as CT IVPs, CT Angiography, CT Urograms, cystograms, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, and arthrohraphy, and for the purpose of the performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. 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. Practices CT and radiation safety and operates under "Image Wisely" guidelines, maintains As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) standards. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. As part of compliance with radiation safety regulations and guidelines the technologists must wear radiation exposure monitoring badge when in designated radiation areas. Incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, and properties of x-ray, in order to understand the operation of equipment. Performs cutting-edge imaging processing and post processing procedures on advanced workstations and software as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency in advanced reconstruction techniques. Performs complex computerized axial tomography of the head, abdomen, spine, chest, neck and other areas of interests determined by the physician. Technologist also provides additional reformats and/or advanced 3-D reconstructions upon request. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in CPRS as well as the work list management position of the HIS-RIS interface. Verifies order with patient history. If patient is unable to give history, verifies order with patient medical records, and clarifies any discrepancy with ordering provider before proceeding with examination. No changes will be made to the order without consulting the ordering provider, then documenting the change of order in the medical record. Documents radiation dose for CT, Fluoroscopy, Bone Densitometry, and operating Room C-Arm cases, utilizing Imaging Service Radiation Dose Note in CPRS. 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. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Expected to prioritize patients and respond as quickly as possible to STAT requests in the department, on the units, in the Emergency Room and in the Operating Room. Maintains National Patient Safety Goals by properly identifying appropriate patient(s) for the proper exam or imaging study. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must confirm the identification of the patient prior to beginning any study by using two (2) identifiers such as last name, VA ID number, last four numbers of the patient's SS number, date of birth or, in the case of ER or inpatients, the patients ID band. It is imperative that patient and the requested exam are identical. Work Schedule: Varies due to the needs of the department with occasional weekends. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not telework eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT) (CT) GS-647-10 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 computer 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 radiologist. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in 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. Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. 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: Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignment: Computer 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.] Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 grade level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the fill 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. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At the grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. 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 patient for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Preferred Experience: One year of CT experience with CT certification. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center 1 Medical Center Drive Clarksburg, WV 26301 US
• Name: Carrie Trenary
• Phone: 304-268-7780
• Email: [email protected]