This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is assigned to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Radiology Service within the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is a 1B facility. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is responsible for, independently and without supervision, performing a wide variety of routine to moderately complex diagnostic radiology examinations.
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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). You must submit a copy of your unexpired certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R) to receive credit. Education Requirement: 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).You must submit a copy of your certificate or transcript showing awarded associate's degree to receive credit. 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). **Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grade Determinations: GS-5 Experience or Education: 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. In addition to the experience/education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) 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. In addition to the experience/education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) 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. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: N/A 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.
VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major Duties: Receives patients, explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations, determines technical factors and properly positions patients. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Will independently operate Diagnostic Imaging equipment. The employee will help to develop new techniques, define optimal protocols, and devise alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Perform examinations on patients according to protocols and parameters set forth by department or procedures by a radiologist. Performs a wide variety of complex radiologic examinations of patients to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment and makes exposures based on request of physician or other specialists. Performs routine x-ray examinations of all areas of the body to include skull, spines, abdomen, and all extremities with minimal discomfort to the patient. Explains the radiographic procedure to allay fears and obtain maximum cooperation from the patient. Follows mandated HIPPA guidelines. Follows guidelines for properly registering and editing examinations. Properly retrieves and utilizes data from DHCP Network (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IP Network) and properly identifies images. Enters correct data on the imaging request, in the computers and in the CR/CR system. Properly enters patient's accession number in the CR/DR terminal to ensure proper transfer of case to PAC's system. Enters pertinent patient information into CPRS/Order Entry - Radiology Notes, such as patient refusals, order cancellations or any complications. Properly sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. These procedures take place in a variety of different locations and forms. Such as the CR system, DR Systems, Fluoroscopy, Portables, GI Lab, Cystography Lab and Operating Rooms per established checklist. Responsible for completion of examination by transmitting images to the PACS immediately after procedure is finished. Receives patient explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning to satisfy the requirements. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Checks the maintenance of daily supplies to avoid any slow-down in patient care. Ensures that the highest degree of cleanliness is kept in all examination rooms and that anti-infection control is carried out. Performs diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a licensed DRT. Determines radiographic technique exposure factors and effectively plans the table before and during exposure. Performs and assists practitioner with fluoroscopic and specialized procedures. Participates in physiologic monitoring of patients. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 2nd shift (add hours) including On-Call and weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92822-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized