Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will perform examinations that include, but are not limited to, general radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, etc. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic examination.

Duties

Major Duties: The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist may be cross-trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hour, 7 day a week; will also participate in the departmental in-service program, but not limited to: Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Receives assignments for very difficult examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor or a higher graded technologist when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or in some circumstances, intravenously under close supervision. Responsible for reflecting a compassionate, considerate, and courteous attitude to all contacts, displaying sensitivity and a helpful attitude to the needs of veterans and their families. Operates computerized radiography as well as conventional Radiography equipment. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring 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 principles is applied. Performs procedures such as IVP, urethrograms, G.I. series, Modified Barium Swallow, and barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the X-ray room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Schedule patients for examinations, register patients for examinations, and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Maintains logs of patients and procedures used. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section. Cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair. Performs pictures archival duties. Captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Knowledge of general computer operations, image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am to 3:30pm 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: 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.) 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).] (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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 Determination. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Grade Determination Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS5 (Entry Level): Entry level applicant and have no education or experience beyond those listed in the basic qualifications requirements. Grade Determination Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS6: 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 (KSAs). 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. Grade Determination Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS7: 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 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 (KSAs). 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. Grade Determination Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS8 (Full Performance Level): 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 (KSAs). 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Graduate of an accredited Radiographic Sciences Program. ARRT registered. Minimum of 1 year of experience for entry level GS-5. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Karen McKee
• Phone: 352-548-6000 X105242
• Email: [email protected]