Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
What you'd do
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Major duties
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Augusta, ME location. This position is full time at 40 hours per week. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs all examinations in general radiology from routine to complex. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, general diagnostic units, as well as potable equipment. Duties include, but are not limited to: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Radiologist informed. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Responsible to the Radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of quality of radiographs while minimizing radiation dosage and reducing costs. Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, are potential adverse effects may occur. Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning, exposure factors, patient identification, and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility. Work Schedule: Full-Time Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F03186, F03187, F03188, F03189 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position. This position is on a special salary rate. Veterans preference does not apply to internal or other federal employees. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. No award SF50's will be accepted. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
What you need to qualify
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. 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 DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT 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). Note: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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 5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment: DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. GS 6 Experience or Education: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 5) 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. Assignment: DRTs at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. 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. GS 7 Experience or Education: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 6) 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. Assignment: Employees at this grade level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. 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. 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. Assignment: 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. 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. Qualifications continue in the Education tab.
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