Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Picture Archival Communication System (PACS)

About the role

Serves as the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist for the Diagnostic Imaging Service (Radiology) at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. The PACS Technologist provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all aspects of the daily operations relating to the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems section. This position serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display.

Responsibilities

• Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components.
• Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities.
• Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes.
• Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level.
• Investigates system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue.
• Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions.
• Maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor.
• Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations.
• Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 8 primary and backup data centers.
• Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations. This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation (desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users.
• Maintains monitoring of PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software.
• Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary.
• Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist/Physician.
• Operates digital, computerized, or conventional radiology equipment to carry out the diagnostic plan for patients. This may include fixed, portable, and surgical imaging equipment.
• Determines appropriate technical parameters; calculates the correct exposure factors of distance, time, kilovoltage (kV), and milliamperage (mA).
• Independently performs radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, spine, and extremities to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness.
• As a team member with the Radiologist, the incumbent will perform fluoroscopy procedures, such as: Upper Esophagrams, Lumbar Punctures, Myelograms, Urethrograms, GI Procedures, Barium (Single/Double Contrast), and all other routine fluoroscopy procedures.
• Sets up the room and ensures sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters, and other required supplies are present and prepared.
• Provides intraoperative/post-operative fluoroscopy and diagnostic radiography as requested by the Operative Surgeon or appropriately credentialed Clinician.

Requirements

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. First area of consideration is Facility.

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-Documentation Submitted: 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.