Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs routine and STAT radiographs, portable radiographs, fluoroscopy, and OR C-arm imaging.
• Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into system. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for the purpose of performing Fluoroscopy exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. Know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders.
• Accurately utilizes PACS.
• Knowledge of and performs Quality Control procedures.
• P Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations.
• Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as pertains to the examination being performed.
• Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Participates in Time-Out policy as required for all procedures.
• Explains examinations to be performed to patients. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Properly identifies patient with at least 2 full patient identifiers in accordance with VAPSHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies and annotates pertinent information on patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) lead markers.
• Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Chief Technologist and BioMed/HTM department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment.
• Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible.
• Participate equally in on-call and holiday schedule rotations, providing adequate and essential hospital coverage, 24 hours per day/7 days per week. May be required to provide occasional coverage at other campuses within VAPSHCS.
• Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance.
• Complete additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area, including patient care areas, shared spaces, desks, and countertops at all times, properly disposing of soiled linen and restocking linen supplies daily.
• Follows all Infection Control policies including cleaning and disinfection procedures of Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), Hand Hygiene and proper PPE usage.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

• 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).
• 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: 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.
• 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.
• Grade Determinations:
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-6 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.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-7 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.
• 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.