This position is located at the SAVAHCS, Tucson Imaging Department under the Diagnostic Service Line. Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as DR, CR and other general diagnostic units. This position will provide CT/PET/GEN scanning for the Imaging Service.
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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS) 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. In addition to experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. 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-10.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: - Assist Radiologist in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations. - Performs examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for routine examinations and for diagnosis of illness and/or injuries of accident victims. - Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. - Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations will wear film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, Imaging Service, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. - As patient care needs dictate, incumbent will be required to perform bone density examinations (DEXA Scans).Prepares patient for exam, setting up technical factors, performing Quality assurance and other related items associated with producing quality examinations. - Performs basic monitoring practices (BP, placement of EKG leads, O2, Pulse Oximetry, ProPac, sterile technique) related to radiography including emergency cardiac arrest procedures (CPR). - Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table - Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures - Prepares oral and injectable contrast (IV contrast for injector) - Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures - Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events - Responsible for supporting medical personnel including staff physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clerks, students (medical/nursing/physician assistants/pharmacy, etc.), and other medical center personnel in daily usage, protocols for the good data management, and low-level troubleshooting of various clinical information systems and /or PACS, TeraRecon iNtuition, and Powerscribe outside of normal business hours. - Incumbent is part of a self-directed, dynamic team and serves as the customer's primary point of contact for the Imaging Department concerning issues involving the included systems. The incumbent provides first level technical support, which requires independent judgement and initiative. Problems may be confined to a single customer or extend across organizational lines and may require the use of various methods of analysis and problem-solving techniques. Incumbent maintains a support knowledge base and tracks customer problem resolution. - The incumbent provides training on data processing procedures, which includes user access and identification codes. Incumbent provides training as-needed with individual users. Incumbent also serves as a liaison for the clinical services. Incumbent maintains educational materials and makes the materials available in an online format. The incumbent evaluates the progress of the trainees and provides advice and assistance in the utilization of various computer applications. - Incumbent serves as a liaison between the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) Biomedical Engineering, and user services in order to solve problems, coordinate training and exchange information. Incumbent collaborates with peers within the VA healthcare network as well as in the private sector to keep abreast of technical changes. - Acts as the back-up for the ADPAC regarding any informatics concerns. - The incumbent works with the subject matter experts in the services to create and modify end user templates and system configurations. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized