The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is assigned to the VA Central California Health Care System, under Diagnostic Imaging Service. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist primarily receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.
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. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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). 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). Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-5: Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-6: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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. Demonstrated 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-7: Experience or Education: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level 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. Demonstrated 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, and Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8 (Full Performance Level): Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated 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. 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-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Duties include but are not limited to: Consults with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors to produce and satisfy requirements of x-ray imaging. Coordinates/facilitates scheduling of patients for examinations. Advises/Notifies radiologists or referring physicians of exams requiring immediate attention. Prioritizes exams in a manner to optimize efficiency while maintaining flexibility for emergent and critical exams. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing dose. Performs a variety of general radiographic and fluoroscopic exams utilizing all available x-ray equipment. Properly utilizes the PACS imaging archive system to ensure that studies are properly demonstrated on the imaging archive system. Provides radiographic support to assist during surgical and therapeutic procedures. These will occur in operating rooms and procedural areas utilizing C-arm and/or portable x-ray. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside providing diagnostic x-rays to the professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity. Theses exams will be performed with a portable x-ay unit. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits, and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identifies the patient and the image patient image(s). Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must validate that the patient I.D. band (when used)) and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by utilizing two proper patient identifiers. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Knowledge of CR, DR, and PACS systems. Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Department. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation, and technique optimization. Assures compliance to radiation regulations by wearing film badges, being aware of the practice of safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities as directed. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies of assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the lead or supervisor. Will learn new advancements in general Radiology procedures and protocols as they are brought forward to meet patient care needs. Incumbent must be cooperative, professional, and be able to work collaboratively with other employees. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Sue Bringel at susan.bringel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more