Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at this level are fully functional & can carry out assigned tasks independently. DRT requires current & maintained American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification. Interaction with physicians - nurses - Biomedical &manufacturer's field Engineers - computer programmers - & other service personnel will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the technologist. The DRT will be assigned to the Castle Rock VA CBOC in Castle Rock - CO.

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 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) - 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
• 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 ORT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(8)
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a ORT that provides care under the supervision of a certified ORT 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
• 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 Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician - 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 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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 equivalent to 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 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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
• Preferred Experience: Requires current and maintained American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification
• 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes - Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required).

Duties

• Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include - but are not limited to: Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• The general DRT is expected to perform standard and complex imaging protocols using advanced high cost/high technology not limited to Digital Radiography (DR)
• Incumbent must be available to work independently at various tours of duty including weekends - holidays - and on-call duties as needed
• The DRT shall perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head - cervical/thoracic/lumbar spines - chest - abdomen - and extremities in the department and possible portable settings
• Employee performs special and more complex procedures to include long bone surveys - scoliosis studies
• Confers with radiologists for determination of non-standard exams
• determines technical factors - positioning - and sets the equipment to obtain radiographic images
• Performs radiographic exams utilizing standard protocols and reading medical history to ensure proper exams are achieved
• distributes exam requisitions according to Radiologist assignment and the level of exam priority
• Notifies radiologist of studies requiring their immediate attention such as STAT or Urgent
• Explains exams and/or procedures to the patient so the patient comprehends actions taking place
• Properly records any information from the patient that might be pertinent to the radiologist when reading/dictating the exam
• Ensures proper/correct side is marked on every image with left and right markers
• Ensures all images going into PACS have the correct accession number for radiologist interpretation and provider's viewing
• Registers - requests - cancels - and edits exams through varies computer programs including but not limited to: Radiology Information System (RIS) - VISTA - VISTA Imaging - CPRS
• Schedules patient procedures in various modalities when needed
• informs patient of all pertinent preparations for his/her exam
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self by following the principles of ALARA Screens all child-bearing age patients (12-55 years old) if they are or think they may be pregnant
• Ensures film badge(s) are properly worn when performing radiographic examinations
• Troubleshoots problems and reports them to their supervisor and the correct authority to fix (i.e
• PACS Administrator - Maximo request - I.T
• requests - etc.)
• The DRT is a steward of proper handling of the radiographic equipment and its peripheral components to ensure longevity of operation
• Performs basic and some advanced PACS procedures using various applications to ensure proper handling of image storge and dissemination to various customers to include but not limited to patients - providers - and other facilities
• Following Release of Information (ROI) and HIPAA guidelines - incumbent shall follow procedures to \"burn\" exams onto a computer disc (CD) using current hardware and software programs
• Following ROI and HIPAA guidelines - properly labels envelopes and CD mailers to ensure proper handling when correspondence is needed
• Maintains flexibility and competency in assigned duties with no supervision during non-duty hours
• DRT shall ensure department security is upheld
• physical security includes locking doors when applicable and security of patient information to prevent HIPAA violations
• The DRT performs administrative duties
• answering the phone - registering patients for exams - ensuring proper prep sheets/ questionnaires are properly filled out - and making CDs of exams when requested
• Incumbent maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Employee shall possess knowledge of proper usage and identification of reusable medical equipment (RME) and its method of cleaning - disinfection - or sterilization process
• submits RME for proper disposition following hospital guidelines
• Utilizes proper housekeeping of all exposure rooms
• removes clutter - stores peripheral components of the radiographic machine in proper place - and maintains a high level of cleanliness by using the approved solutions/wipes per manufacturer and facility guidelines
• Maintains required licensure(s) and skill certifications to include ARRT - BLS/CPR - and assigned activities through TMS and/or other training modules mandated through the VHA
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: 800 - 1630 - Monday- Friday Functional Statement #: DRT-GS0647-08FS60407-0