Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The Diagnostic Imaging Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is seeking Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists for the Charleston VA in Charleston South Carolina.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The DRT at this level performs routine to complex radiographic examinations and procedures to both inpatients and outpatients using diagnostic imaging equipment such as digital radiographic units, fluoroscopic units, portable equipment, and DEXA (Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machines. Incumbent can carry out assigned tasks independently. Typical duties may include, but are not limited to: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations including but not limited to esophagram, UGI, SBFT, BE, VCUG, MBS, HSG, joint injections. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during procedures conducted by other providers in various procedural locations including but not limited to Operating Room, Pain Clinic, Cystoscopy, Bronchoscopy and GI suite. Performs routine, urgent or STAT outpatient, inpatient or emergency department Radiographic exams either in the department with stationary imaging equipment or bedside using portable x-ray equipment. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergent procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing DEXA scanner. Adjusts the patient, equipment and technical parameters to obtain desired images. Verifies region(s) of interest (ROI), evaluates quality of measurements for problems due to artifacts, pathology, etc., flags values that require physician's attention (low T-score, unreliable results, etc.), and archives results. Applies expertise in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to ensure accurate, high-quality examinations. Optimizes equipment settings and patient positioning to clearly visualize the area(s) of interest. Produces high-quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure and reducing costs. Completes assigned workload promptly and efficiently. Prepares contrast materials - including iodinated contrast, gastrografin, barium - under Radiologist/Provider direction. Prepares supplies (i.e. trays, kits, needles, syringes, tubing, bags, etc.) for radiographic procedures using aseptic and/or sterile technique. Adheres to facility Infection Control policies including PPE and handwashing. Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patients, visitors, staff and self. Utilizes lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, time and distance and collimation. Complies with Radiation Safety guidelines and directives including wearing film badges. Participates in quality assurance activities as directed. Screens female Veterans within childbearing age per policy and documents appropriately. Receives and identifies patients using at least two (2) patient identifiers, prepares patients for exams and explains procedures, assists movement of patients to and from exam table, positions the patient, sets up and adjusts all imaging equipment including appropriate selection of technical factors. Ensures all pertinent anatomy is demonstrated, correct anatomical markers are visible, proper annotations are made, and correct orientation of the image is set prior to transmitting to PACS. Ensures all images are present in PACS with relevant and thorough technologist notes prior to releasing for radiologist interpretation. Contacts PACS office immediately for any discrepancies, issues or corrections. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, rotating holidays and on-call Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized, up to 15% recruitment incentive with minimal of three years of service commitment, based on individual application qualifications. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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…

Qualifications

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) and hold an advanced ARRT certification in MR. 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). 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). 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: GS-09 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: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the…

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.