The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) position is located within the Imaging Services Department at the Birmingham VA Healthcare System. This position is responsible for the production of diagnostic images in the general radiology section of the department. He/She will work with other technologists, radiologists, clinicians, the lead technologist, supervisor, chief technologist, and other staff to assure optimum quality imaging and veteran satisfaction.
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).] 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 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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:(1) 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.(2) 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.(3) 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(4) 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.(5) 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-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Lead Clinical Instructor Technologist, the Supervisory General Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, the Chief Technologist of Radiology, or the Radiologist. The DRT (General X-Ray) utilizes digital equipment to perform diagnostic radiography procedures. The incumbent will receive and properly identify the patient, explain the method of procedure, position patient, select and set appropriate technical factors, set up and adjust accessory equipment required, and make necessary exposures for the requested examinations. The incumbent will ensure the images are of diagnostic quality, then transmit the digital images to the Picture Archive Computer System (PACS). This requires the technologist to have knowledge of human anatomy. The selectee will perform radiographic exams independently or as a team member with other technologists such as chest, extremities, spines, skull, sinus, abdominal studies and any other exam that does not require the direct presence of a radiologist. The incumbent will ensure that all exam rooms are stocked and prepared for different examinations and procedures on a daily basis. He/She will also ensure that the rooms and equipment are clean and functioning appropriately and notifies supervisor of any inventory changes or concerns. Additionally, all General Technologists are required to back up surgery, be on call when applicable, rotate holidays, and will cover weekends and off-shifts as needed. Other duties will include but are not limited to: The incumbent will assist the radiologist in the performance of fluoroscopic procedures such as but not limited to GI studies, barium and air contrast enemas, different types of cystography, MSK procedures, LP's, and myelograms. The incumbent will perform a variety of radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures in a mobile capacity, whether it be in the patient's room, unit, or the operating room. He/She will be working with heavy, mobile, highly sophisticated equipment which must be moved during the examination and/or procedure. Sterile field must be maintained at all times. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining required records for each patient. This includes registering each patient and procedure and status tracking upon completion of each examination. He/She is also responsible for documentation in the patient's chart of any pertinent information, dose and time of fluoroscopic procedures, and any medications injected during a procedure. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) position requires physical demands. He/She are frequently required to walk, stand, bend, and reach. Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds. There will be long periods of standing while wearing lead apron, glove, masks, gown, and eye shields during different procedures. Must have manual dexterity and keyboard skills. The incumbent must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word. Must be able to view and read information on a computer screen. Must maintain his/her BLS certification. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) must have a thorough knowledge in the effects of x-ray techniques on patients and other operator controls in order to assure proper safety measures are followed. He/She will recognize changes if equipment and procedures that may increase exposure to patient and/or technologist and will adopt methods to prevent such overexposure. Knowledge of ionizing radiation protection standards including concepts of accumulated dosage, genetic changes, and effect of radiation on living organisms. The incumbent will maintain their required continuing education units with the ARRT and will ensure their professional license does not lapse or expire. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 3:00pm-11:30pm, with rotating holidays.. This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS-59120 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized