Independently performs routine to moderately complex mammographic and radiographic examination procedures with little or no direct supervision. Schedules for patients when applicable. Coordinates advanced diagnostic studies with the Radiologist to ensure the timely performance of these studies as a priority. Utilizes diagnostic x-ray equipment such as digital radiography and digital mammography
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: US Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: 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). 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) (1) 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. 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). GS-9 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 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Specialized experience are patient care, equipment operation & quality control, diagnostic imaging procedures, interventional procedures and additional responsibilities such as assists with training and mentoring lower-grade technologists and students in mammography and breast ultrasound techniques and protocols pending exams before scheduling to verify correct orders, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of the requested imaging study. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: ARRT (M) Certified, IEMA license, experienced in screening mammogram, diagnostic mammogram and breast biopsies. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. Technologists may be required to assist in moving and positioning patients, some of whom may be disabled or combative, requiring the use of safe patient handling techniques. The position requires reaching, bending, and lifting to 45 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate imaging equipment and to assist during interventional procedures. The technologist must have adequate vision (correctable) to distinguish subtle differences in image quality and adequate hearing (aids permitted) to communicate with patients and staff. The work environment may involve exposure to communicable diseases, ionizing radiation, and emotionally distressing patient situations.
Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Major Duties: Patient Care Greets and verifies patient identification using two identifiers in accordance with facility policy. Explain procedures in a clear, compassionate manner, addressing questions and alleviating anxiety. Prepares patients for mammographic and breast ultrasound examinations, ensuring proper positioning, comfort, and modesty. Equipment Operation & Quality Control Operates mammography and breast ultrasound units, adhering to established protocols and the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines. Performs daily, weekly, monthly, and annual equipment quality control tests; documents result in accordance with regulatory requirements. Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions immediately to appropriate personnel, removing defective equipment from service when necessary. Ensures supplies, accessories, and work areas are clean, organized, and stocked. Diagnostic Imaging Procedures Performs a full range of screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, and screening breast ultrasound examinations, selecting appropriate technical factors and positioning to produce optimal images for interpretation. Performs specialized views such as magnification, spot compression, and implant displaced views as indicated. Interventional Procedures Prepares the procedure room and equipment for breast biopsies and localizations. Assists radiologists by positioning patients, maintaining a sterile field, and preparing biopsy trays and ultrasound or stereotactic guidance equipment. Monitors patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure and provides post procedure instructions as directed by the radiologist. Additional Responsibilities Participates in departmental quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Assists with training and mentoring lower-grade technologists and students in mammography and breast ultrasound techniques. Maintains require continuing education credits to meet MQSA, ACR, and facility competency requirements. Protocols pending exams before scheduling to verify correct orders, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of the requested imaging study VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 07936F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized