Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General Radiology)

About the role

The incumbent is at the senior performance level as a staff advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) in General Radiology within the Ralph H. Johnson VA HealthCare System. The DRT at this level performs routine to complex radiographic examinations and procedures to both inpatients and outpatients using diagnostic imaging equipment such as digital radiographic units, fluoroscopic units, portable equipment, and DEXA (Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machines.

Responsibilities

• Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers.
• Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Recognizes unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
• Maintains patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Radiologist informed.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract.
• Sets up and prepares sterile surgical fields and prepare patients for arthrograms, injections or drains.
• Monitors the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of quality of radiographs while minimizing radiation dosage and reducing costs.
• Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention.
• Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (VistA and PACS) and printing.
• Checks system for operation and assesses acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Examines equipment for calibration and adjusts as needed.
• Participates in education and training opportunities related to the technical and clinical operation of diagnostic imaging equipment.
• Assists supervisor and radiologists in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgements when necessary to deviate from standard procedures.
• Maintains basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiology. (MRI safety and other restrictions when using radiology equipment)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

• 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).
• 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.
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, which include: 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; and Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.