Diagnostic Radiologic Technician

Job description

Summary

This position is in the VA Central Texas Health Care System (CTXVHCS) - Diagnostic Imaging Service - and serves Austin - Temple - Bryan College Station - Cedar Park - and Waco - TX. The technologist is responsible for the daily technical direction and administrative functions of the clinic area. The incumbent plans - directs and controls activities - maintains equipment and supplies to meet the needs of the service.

Qualifications

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)

NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

English Language Proficiency

DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and7407(d)

May 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)

Grade Determinations:GS-5: None beyond the basic requirements

GS-6: Experience or Education

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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

Experience includes operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision

The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity

Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help

Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area

Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities

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

GS-7: Experience or Education

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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

or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging

Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled

Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature

They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards

They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment

DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations

Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system

Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study

Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures

Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems

Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills

GS 08: Experience

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level

DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues

Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services

Experience includes Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system

different contrast material required for the requested study

radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures

computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems

PACS and basic computer skills

Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest

Preferred Experience: One or more years' experience Performed routine x-rays - operate C-arm fluoroscopic equipment

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08

Functional Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs

and over)

Heavy Carrying (45 lbs

and over)

Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)

Pushing (1 - 2 hours)

Reaching above shoulder

Use of fingers

Both hands required

Walking (up to 3 hours)

Standing (up to 3 hours)

Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)

Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously

Near vision correctable at 13"" to 16""

Hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

Major duties include - but are not limited to: Performs a variety of routine Radiologic exams and procedures

Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the imaging PACS System

Coordinates closely with the radiologist and referring physician on all procedures ensuring that optimum quality films are obtained for diagnosis - using the least amount of radiation exposure to the patient

Performs quality control duties that involve ensuring CR and DR x-ray units are in proper calibration

Employees are responsible for seeing that the flow of work throughout the clinic proceeds in an orderly fashion so that patient waiting time is kept to a minimum

Employees are responsible for developing and maintaining accurate technique charts for all x-ray rooms

Maintains radiation monitors and statistical data for the clinic and forwards same to Chief - Imaging Service - CTVHCS - Temple

Performs a variety of routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures

Positions patients - explains procedures - selects and sets voltage - time and other technical factors - and makes exposure necessary for the requested procedure

Performs

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Worksite address

temple, TX, 76508, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.