Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at this level are fully functional and can carry out assigned tasks independently. This DRT functions as a lead for a group of DRT's at the full performance level and below - providing input on performance - resolving daily workplace issues - and ensuring efficient workflow in general radiology. The DRT will be available to work various tours and cover on-call duties.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed
• 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 2 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).] 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-9 Experience
• At 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 level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday
• Ability to plan - direct - and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels
• Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment
• Ability to plan and project staffing needs
• Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations
• Assignment
• Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below - providing input on performance - resolving daily workplace issues - and maintaining efficient workflow
• Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams - has a general knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area - and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor
• Preferred Experience: Applicants must have ARRT (R) registry
• Alternatively - candidates may also possess ARRT (R) and Advanced Modality Registry
• Prior leadership experience is preferred but is not a requirement
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This vacancy is being announced above the full performance level at a GS-9.) The GS-9 is above the FP
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting of 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• distinguishment of basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must be able to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for long periods of time.

Duties

• Major Duties Include - but are not limited to: Provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• Perform standard and complex imaging protocols using advanced high cost/high technology equipment and perform portable radiographic exams at the bedside and operating rooms - as well as operate C-arm and O-arm units in the operating room - GI lab - Pain Clinic - and other authorized areas
• Perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head - cervical/thoracic/lumbar spines - chest - abdomen - and extremities
• The DRT shall also perform special and more complex exams including long bone surveys - scoliosis exams - and fluoroscopy
• Performs special and more complex procedures to include long bone surveys - scoliosis studies and bone densitometry or dual-energy absorptiometry procedures of the hip - spine - and peripheral tests of the fingers - hands - forearms - and/or feet to measure and assess bone loss
• Perform Lateral Vertebral Assessment (LVA) when utilizing DEXA scan to screen for vertebral fractures
• Expertly comprehend and set DEXA machines and special software that computes and displays the bone density measurements on a computer monitor
• Work independently at various tours of duty including weekends - holidays - and on-call duties as needed
• Assists Medical Support Assistants with scheduling fluoroscopy exams by tech approving orders in the scheduling package
• Take into consideration room availability - procedure length - patient condition - clinical need - potential contraindications - and urgency of request
• Confers with radiologists for determination of non-standard exams
• determines technical factors - positioning - and sets the equipment to obtain radiographic images
• Performs radiographic exams utilizing standard protocols and reading medical history to ensure proper exams are achieved
• Notifies radiologist of studies requiring their immediate attention such as STAT or instrument count
• Explains exams and/or procedures to the patient so the patient comprehends actions taking place
• Properly records any information from the patient that might be pertinent to the radiologist when reading/dictating the exam
• Ensures proper/correct patient identification is on every image
• Ensures proper/correct side is marked on every image with left and right markers
• Ensures all images going into PACS have the correct accession number for radiologist interpretation
• Registers - requests - cancels - and edits exams through various computer programs including but not limited to: VISTA - VISTA Imaging - CPRS
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self by following the principles of ALARA
• Screens all child-bearing age patients (12-55 years old) if they are or think they may be pregnant
• Ensures film badge(s) are properly worn when performing radiographic examinations
• Properly uses radiographic equipment to obtain the highest image quality possible
• Troubleshoots problems and reports them to their supervisor and the correct authority to fix (i.e
• PACS Administrator - Maximo requests - OIT requests)
• Inspects radiographic equipment - performs daily warm up procedures - and conducts weekly Quality Control (QC) tests to ensure equipment is functioning properly
• Proper handling of the radiographic equipment and its peripheral components to ensure longevity of operation
• Performs basic and some advanced PACS procedures using various applications to ensure proper handling of image storge and dissemination to various customers to include but not limited to patients - providers - and other facilities
• Following Release of Information (ROI) and HIPAA guidelines - incumbent shall follow procedures to burn exams onto a computer disc (CD) or send images through approved electronic image-sharing platform
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 554-611920 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized