Career Center

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiological Tech is responsible for performing and coordinating diagnostic radiology exams and procedures at the VA NORCAL HCS - Radiology Department - Mather AFB - CA - Angio - Cardiac Cath Lab - and Radiology Departments. Operates independently and without direct supervision - primarily operating mammography equipment to provide diagnostic images for radiologist interpretation. Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examinations using diagnostic x-ray equipment.

Qualifications

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
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Certification Requirement: 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 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)
• Grandfathering Provision: 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)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above - applicants must meet the following grade requirements
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10 Experience
• In addition to the minimum qualifications - applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level - GS-09 - that is directly related to the position being filled and demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the fundamental certification requirements
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• G
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II - Appendix G25 - dated December 13 - 2019 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards - GS-0647
• 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography Angiography Technologist operates independently at the VA Northern California Health Care System - Radiology Department - Mather AFB - CA
• They primarily use Angiography equipment to provide diagnostic images for radiologist interpretation
• Additionally - they perform routine to moderate radiographic examinations with diagnostic x-ray and Cardiac Catheterization equipment
• Duties include - but are not limited to - the following: Coordinates exams to optimize scanner times while remaining flexible for emergencies
• This involves prioritizing scheduled patients and accommodating those needing immediate surgery
• Covers CT of head - neck - spine - chest - and body with and without contrast
• Confers with cardiology and vascular providers to determine non-standard exam requirements
• Decides on technical factors like patient positioning - frames per second - table configuration - and image orientation for effective cardiac and vascular scanning
• Operates technical radiation equipment under Vascular - Cardiology - and Radiology guidance
• Confers with Radiologists to determine nonstandard exam requirements
• Conducts cardiac catheterization and angiography under sterile conditions - requiring advanced knowledge of the sterile environment and necessary supplies - such as guide wires - sterile packs - catheters - and trays
• Exams require the \"scrub-in technique\" to prepare surgical trays - administer contrast - insert catheters - and ensure sterility of the patient and equipment - preventing contamination
• This minimizes hazards from invasive procedures and involves using sterile packs - gloves - syringes - and cleanup trays after the exam
• Follows hospital infection control and safety policies focusing on sterile techniques - sterile supply storage - body fluid and 'sharp' disposal - appropriate attire - hand washing - and ongoing education
• Collaborates with the radiologist as part of the radiographic team - assisting with exam needs
• Remains alert to the patient's condition - sterile field - and catheter sizes and configurations
• This vigilance is crucial to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - and anticipate technique-related issues
• Prepares contrast materials for exams
• Improper use risks patient mortality - so a thorough understanding of their usage is essential for those preparing them
• Additionally - one must remain vigilant about the patient's condition and other potential disorders
• Patient reactions require immediate attention to prevent harm
• Is competent to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Performs quality control on the Lab scanner as required
• Records contrast with warmer temperatures daily
• Check the crash cart at the beginning of the shift
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes maintaining patient logbooks - registering patients - and editing patient exams in the computerized information system
• Properly identifies patient images to prevent mistaken identity
• The technologist must ensure the patient's ID band matches the request
• Confirms identity by following NCHCS' Patient Identification Policy Statement
• Explain exams to patients - ensuring they understand the procedure and potential adverse reactions
• Manage stocking and inventory of all CT - Cardiac - and Angiographic supplies
• Report equipment malfunctions promptly to the supervisor and submit an electronic work order to Biomedical Engineering for repair
• Continually reviews new developments in the fields of CT - Angio - and Cardiac Cath
• Is continually on the alert to improve the quality of exams - utilizing the latest technologies available
• Practices radiation safety to minimize exposure to patients - staff - and self using lead aprons - gloves - shields - and collimation
• The incumbent must be aware of and follow the medical center's safety policies and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWMTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: 8:00am- 4:30pm Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 612 00554-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact VISN12EDRP@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.