Job opening: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Salary: $52 545 - 89 718 per year
Published at: Jan 29 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
The General Radiologic Technologist is responsible for the performance and coordination of all gastrointestinal and fluoroscopic x-ray procedures, joint and pain injections, surgical radiographs, barium enemas, Upper GI's and general radiographs. The position is located in Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane, WA.
Duties
Responsible for maximizing utilization of fluoroscopic exam rooms.
Identifies scheduled procedures for the following day and plans and coordinates activities around physician availability in order to maximize room effectiveness.
Provides periodic written reports of accomplishments, statistical data for quality assurance, proposals for improved effectiveness, cost containment, state of equipment, and equipment needs to supervisor.
Monitors and controls wastage, maximize efficiency and the number of examinations performed without compromising quality standards.
Assists the Radiology Supervisor in handling all complaints and requests from physicians and other hospital personnel for procedures included in this area.
Works closely with other departmental personnel in coordinating and integrating departmental activities.
Makes minor equipment adjustments and repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment.
Checks equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures.
Responsible for the state of equipment in this area at all times.
Reports equipment malfunction in a timely manner, including putting in electronic work orders.
Responsible for the clerk's checking with the nursing floors to ensure that patients scheduled for fluoroscopy are not delayed or cancelled for the following day because of lack of planning, preparation, or difficulty with patient delivery.
Properly identifies patient images using computerized work list and left and right markers.
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.
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 radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
Knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR) and be familiar with local PACS (Picture Achieving Communications System) and tele radiography.
Performs routine diagnostic x-ray procedures when required. Operates the digital fluoro unit in the endoscopy and surgical suite when assigned by supervisor.
Work Schedule: Tuesday through Friday , 8AM - 6:30PM. Rotating weekends/holiday/evening call.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
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).
English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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).
General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
Grade Determinations:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6
Experience or Education.
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
Ability to learn basic computer functions.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7
Experience or Education.
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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 orother 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
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.
Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 II-G25-1 APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking, 2 hours; Standing, 4 hours; Kneeling, 1 hour; Repeated bending, 2 hours; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted);
Environmental Energy: Radiant energy; Electrical energy; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working closely with others; Working alone;
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.
Contacts
- Address Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
4815 North Assembly Street
Spokane, WA 99205
US
- Name: Delilah Black
- Phone: 215-823-5800 X6491
- Email: [email protected]
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