The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed, and assists the radiologist with fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Assists surgeons in the operating suite in performing complex fluoroscopic procedures including angiography. VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) performs general diagnostic radiography of the entire body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Employees at this grade level serve as Staff DRT's at the full performance level. Duties include, but are not limited to: Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets routine requests independently and/or receives instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Supervision is often administrative, and employee must contact radiologist or higher graded expert in the department or in some cases at another location. Receives assignments for very difficult examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. Obtains patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results when needed for reference to complete examinations. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, and intravenously under general supervision. Performs radiographic exams of the head, spine (including myelography), chest, abdomen (including exams of GI tract, gallbladder, urinary system and fistula) and extremities (including arthrography). These are achieved by using digital diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, tomographic unit, and general diagnostic units. Maintains a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including cross-sectional anatomy, to recognize unusual images and determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Assists surgeons in the operating suite in performing complex fluoroscopic procedures such as angiography. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist, for the purpose of performing exams requiring injection of contrast such as, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of needles, syringes, contrast media, enema bags and drinking cups. Sets up the X-ray room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Operates a wide variety of computerized equipment such as Direct Digital Radiography (DR), Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and post-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, WEBPACS desk top viewing software and hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS. Performs picture archival duties, The technologist captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, students and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities, as directed. Work Schedule: Monday- Wednesday, 7:30am - 6:00pm; Saturday, 7:30am - 4:00pm (On-call and holidays as needed for patient care). Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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: 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), and 7407(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.] 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).] (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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, GS-5, 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:(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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6, 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, 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:(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.(f) 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Preferred Experience: 1-5 years of experience as an AART Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in an acute care setting. Certified in Radiologic Technology (CRT & CRT Fluoro) with the state of California is highly desirable. Ability to work independently desired. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and hands required, walking, standing, and repeated bending.

Education

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

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 San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Tonya Stewart
• Phone: 858-232-7825
• Email: [email protected]