The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a varying assignments including special and complex radiographic examinations and procedures within the General Radiology section, with and without the use of contrasts materials.

Duties

Major Duties: The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce radiographic studies which are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions or lesions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. This includes but not limited to: Fluoroscopic and General Diagnostic exams, Portable Radiography, Portable Fluoroscopy, Operating Room and all other duties assigned. Works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the General Radiology section. Works independently on most exams, but confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult examination. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical disease. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. Must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Must be aware of safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA does optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging. Records all doses of radiation for fluoroscopy and portable fluoroscopy exams by generating and sending the does summary report from the fluoroscopy equipment. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Reviews the radiology order screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Performs radiology procedures/exams utilizing sterile techniques. Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment. Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification list, R& L markers, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that image. Work Schedule: 24 hours and 7 days a week. Off tours include weekends 8am to 430pm, 4pm to mid, and mid to 8am shifts. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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). 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Paula Velez
• Phone: 813-816-7155 X100173
• Email: [email protected]