Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Multi-Modality

Summary The DRT will have full knowledge of equipment and protocols/procedures in General Diagnostic X-Ray - and the two additional specialty sections of Radiology (MRI/CT) - and may be asked to perform duties in all sections dependent on departmental needs. Each area of duties will typically be performed no more than 25% of the time. The DRT Multi-Modality Technologists will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R) - and all specialty areas. 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 PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)CertificationAll applicants for this role must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT)(R)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 metAdvanced ARRT certification is required for assignment that include the below and indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty: Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) EducationCompletion 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).] 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 metMay 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)Please see more details in the ""Required Documents"" sectionGrade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist ARRT (R)(CT)(MR) - GS-10 1) ExperienceAt 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 level2) AssignmentsFor 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 timeDRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic TechnologistEmployees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic proceduresAt this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexitySuch assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - MRI Safety regulations - and MRI/CT QM type duties within the programThe 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 changesAbility 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 exposuresKnowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipmentKnowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studiesSpecialized AssignmentsSpecialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MR)General Radiologic Technology (R)DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals 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 bodyThey prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulationsAll DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR) -] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS)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 examinationsThe technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illuminationto interpret the examination request accuratelyto understand the functioning and inter[1]relationship of the various organsto 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 physicianDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certificationMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imagingThe technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enterThe practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human bodyThe technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imagedThis assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program dutiesTechnologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACSDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certificationPreferred Experience: Proficiency in at least two advanced modalities required (MRI/CT)Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10Physical Requirements: See Additional Information Duties Duties include but are not limited to the following: Routine examinations - portables - fluoroscopy - and the operating roomAll radiology images must be of acceptable diagnostic quality - as determined by the interpreting RadiologistEach film/image should stand on its ownALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles will be followed during all examinations to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation doseThis includes but is not limited to proper collimation - centering - parameter selection - and shieldingThe technologist properly identifies images with the patient's full name and social security numberProperly mark radiographs/images: right or left markers so as not to obscure anatomic detail - technologist's number or initials - date and time completed - and indicating supine/erect/decubitus viewCase number must be present on all films/imagesFilm badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leaveChange film badge once a monthAdhere to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposureWear lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy - holding patients - or doing exams involving X-Rays where the technologist cannot be six feet away from the sourceProvide radiation shielding for patients whenever possibleDoors to the X-Ray rooms must be kept closed during X-Ray exposureTechnologists will interview patients about their medical history as required for the study being performedEnsure that the patient screening process has been performed so contraindicated materials and medical devices are imaged safelyThe employee must at all times be aware of the dangers associated within each specific work environmentSpecial precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the magnet room while working in MRIFor contraindication precautions - the employee can take X-Rays of the area in question under guidance of the RadiologistThe employee is responsible for having the radiologist review the X-Rays to see if the patient can have the procedure - contacting the operating room about implants the patient has had - and calling the manufacturer about the safety of implantsInstruct patients to remove all clothing/objects from pockets or body that would affect the image quality - including but not limited to: watches - chains - earrings - belts - hearing aids - dentures - prosthetic devices - and walletsUses patient safety devices as necessary to ensure patient safety during the preparation and examinationMonitors special equipment such as monitors - pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen equipment - and respiratorsDue to the high incident of claustrophobia - patient fear and incomplete examinations - the employee must be compassionate and understanding with patients during the examinationsThe employee should spend time encouraging the patient to complete the examination or contact the patients practitioner for assistanceAt no time will the technologist force a patient to complete a study against the patients willCoordinate with radiologists and physicists to determine the appropriate pulse sequences for each individualized patient examinationFor uncontrollable patients - the employee must understand different ways to change the parameters to obtain optimum imagesPrepares all systems for daily operation - brings system up - and checks all self-calibrating parametersCleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelinesPerforms routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelinesInform supervisor and engineering (bio-medical section) of problems with equipmentAssist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipmentMaintain operation log - maintenance - and service reports Performs other duties as assignedWork Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:30 to 5:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized