The Cincinnati, OH VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) located in the Imaging section of Radiology Service. 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 Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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. 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).] GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS 7,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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8 . Physical Requirements: The incumbent must have the ability to identify abnormal pathology for expected image results and make modifications to the instruments or imaging parameters to compensate for those unexpected results, or effectively communicate the incumbent's observation to the Radiologist to effect a change in the goals of the imaging examination. ["Major Duties: Receives patients, explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations, determines technical factors and properly positions patients. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. The incumbent will independently operate Diagnostic Imaging equipment. The incumbent will help to develop new techniques, define optimal protocols, and devise alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Perform examinations on patients according to protocols and parameters set forth by department or procedures by a radiologist. The incumbent performs a wide variety of complex radiologic examinations of patients to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment and makes exposures based on request of physician or other specialists. Performs routine x-ray examinations of all areas of the body to include skull, spines, abdomen, and all extremities with minimal discomfort to the patient. Explains the radiographic procedure to allay fears and obtain maximum cooperation from the patient. The incumbent receives patient explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning to satisfy the requirements. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them Checks the maintenance of daily supplies to avoid any slow-down in patient care. Ensures that the highest degree of cleanliness is kept in all examination rooms and that anti-infection control is carried out. Performs diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a licensed DRT. Determines radiographic technique exposure factors and effectively plans the table before and during exposure. Performs and assists practitioner with fluoroscopic and specialized procedures. Participates in physiologic monitoring of patients. Post processes digital data for display or hard copy records, insuring proper identification and consent. The Incumbent properly sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. These procedures take place in a variety of different locations and forms. Such as the CR system, DR Systems, Fluoroscopy, Portables, GI Lab, Cystography Lab and Operating Rooms per established checklist. Responsible for completion of examination by transmitting images to the PACS immediately after procedure is finished. The incumbent receives patient explains methods of procedures, position patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with Radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning to satisfy the requirements. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Work Schedule: Thursday-Sunday, 9:00 pm - 7:00 am Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
