Summary

This position is located in VAMC West Palm Beach - Florida. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity.

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 Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• 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
• [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-10: .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
• Assignments
• For 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 11 incumbent at least 25% of the time
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
• Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations - and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• The 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 changes
• Ability 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 exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Preferred Experience: Preferred recent CT and X-ray experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This position is above full performance level
• Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook Directive 5019.

Duties

• Major duties but - not are limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT and General Radiology section
• He/she works independently on most exams and will confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult problems
• Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist to include: Head - Neck - Chest - Abdomen - Pelvis Extremities - 3D Reconstructions of CT - Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure
• Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography - including Biopsies - RF Ablations - Abscess drainages - cyst aspirations - etc
• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis - Carotids - Abdominal Aortas - Run-Off's - and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis
• Technologist will operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment
• perform all types of radiographic - tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• Works closely with the professional staff involved in radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations
• Technologist will independently perform examinations of the head - entire spine - chest - abdomen - and extremities - using direct radiography (DR)
• All examinations are processed digitally
• This work includes computer manipulation (window/level) - correct orientation of the images (hanging protocol) - patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (PACS) and burning of images to CD
• Knowledge of procedures and protocols results in accurate and properly processed radiographs
• The employee must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff - as mandated by the Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies
• Applies safety procedures for self - patients and others as mandated by Radiology Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities
• Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment - is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• Responsible to adhering to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) policies and procedures within the Radiology Service Work Schedule: Two shifts
• Monday-Tuesday-Friday-Saturday and Sunday : from Midnight to 8:30 AM or Monday - Friday - Saturday and Sunday1:30 PM to Midnight Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:41630F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized.