Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mather, United States - Veterans Health Administration

Description

Job Description

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)-Computed Tomography (CT) performs routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures with the use of diagnostic x-ray equipment in the Angiography and Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

- Open Continuous Announcement - Applications will be pulled and rated for referral until the position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time.

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
• 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)


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
• Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• Physical Requirements
• A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position
• English Language Proficiency
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C
• 7403(f)

GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience:
Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice

• To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week
• For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work

Specialized Assignment:
Computed Tomography (CT)

• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification

Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 level

• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Assignments
• For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• 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, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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

References:
VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10

• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Duties "The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) performs angiography of the head, neck spine, chest and body.
Performs Cardiac Catheterizations.
These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials.
The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.
Coverage is to both the Cardiology and Vascular sections, equally.

For this grade level a minimum of 25% (10hrs) is spent working as both a Cardiac and Angiographic Technologist.

Assigned Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Coordinates exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.

Confers with cardiology and vascular providers to determine requirement of non-standard exams.

Determines exam technical factors, patient positioning, frames per second, table configuration and image orientation to produce and satisfy requirements of cardiac and vascular scanning.

Operates highly technical radiation producing equipment under the direction of Vascular, Cardiology and Radiology providers.
Performs cardiac catheterization and angiographic procedures, under sterile conditions.

Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.

Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team.
Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam.

Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc.

Prepares contrast materials that are used for various exams.

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.

Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient.

Is able to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
Performs quality control on the Lab scanner as required.
Records contrast warmer temperature daily.
Checks crash cart at beginning of shift.
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
Properly identifies patient images.
The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D.
band and the request are identical.
Confirms patient identity by following NCHCS' Patient Identification Policy Statement.

Explains exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as any adverse reactions.

Stocks and inventories of all Cardiac and Angiographic supplies and related materials.

Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor and enter an electronic work order to Biomedical Engineering for repair.

Performs irregular hour emergency scans on-call; when necessary.

Requires the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient.

Performs diagnostic radiographic examinations.
Continually reviews new developments in the fields of Angio and Cardiac Cath.
Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available.
Provides patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self.
This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation.
Assures compliance to radiation regulations and wears film badges.
Ensures practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities as directed.

Work Schedule:
Monday thru Friday, Compressed/Flexible:

Not Available Telework:

Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/

Recruitment Incentives:

Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required"