The Tuscaloosa VA Health Care System, Diagnostic Imaging Service is recruiting for Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (R)(CT) to work within the Radiology/Imaging Services.

Duties

The Advanced DRT will provide professional care 100% of the time within the specialized assignment. This position is expected to be fully flexible in support of the needs of the facility and assignments may include both regular tour and off-tour responsibilities in providing routine and non-routine clinical care. The duties and responsibilities of the Advanced DRT include but are not limited to the following: Implements radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring and genetic changes. Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams. Possesses knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (such as CT, MRI, IR, US, Mammography) studies. Evaluates and adapts quality management procedures and processes as needed. Demonstrates understanding of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to department operations, including database security. Maintains accurate records, as required by management for quality assurance and quality control purposes in respective modality. Utilizes advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of specialized equipment to ensure accurate results. Understands specific regulatory processes, VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions. Recognizes changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures and recommends methods to prevent increased exposures. Possesses and applies knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Reviews medical records, interviews patients and communicates with onsite or offsite Radiologist(s) to determine medical appropriateness of requested examination. Positions and images the patient, prepares the processed media for interpretation by a Radiologist and assures images are properly identified with patient demographics and verifies the archiving on the Picture Archiving ComputerSystem(PACS). Obtains other pertinent diagnostic examinations (CT, MRI, X-Rays, US, etc.) for the Radiologist which may be necessary for correlation between the performed exam and the clinical history. Provides additional images, when deemed necessary to ensure adequate information for unexpected findings. Advises Radiologist(s) of significant abnormalities that require their immediate attention and/or visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Identifies patient properly through the Radiology Information System (RIS) interface identifier. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. This is done by verifying with each patient verbally his or her full name, full SSN, and full date of birth. Cleans and maintains equipment in the manner outlined in the Reusable Medical Equipment Policy and according to specific Standard Operating Procedures located in designated cleaning area and electronic files. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients, including patient electronic records, exam requisitions, registering and/or editing of patient exams in the RIS and the sending/retrieving of images in the PACS. Maintains awareness and practice of the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities as directed. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that outpatients and inpatient units understand proper preparations for exams in an effort to minimize delays; disseminates preps either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood in order for an adequate imaging exam to be obtained for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disorders. Follows all local and VHA policies and procedures dealing with access and utilization of the scheduling package and/or advanced clinic access; completes all mandatory training for scheduling responsibilities; uses the designated scheduling package, directly or through the scheduling clerk, to schedule all outpatient appointments; does not use an informal or unapproved wait list for patient appointments; and, reports the use of scheduling package that is not in accordance with the VHA directive and/or local policy to the supervisor. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS50238 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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. 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: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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: GS-10 To meet the requirements for the GS-10 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. At this 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, such as CT, and intermediate QC type duties within the program. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 8 hours, Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses, Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid, Emotional and Mental Stability.

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 Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center 3701 Loop Road East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 US
• Name: Kara Wanner
• Email: [email protected]