Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
What you'd do
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will function in Imaging Service.
Major duties
DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). Duties include, but are not limited to: Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations. Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring oral or injectable solutions. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. Properly identify the patient and the image. Use left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that ID bands and the x-ray request are identical. Responsible to explain exams to patients. Perform portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Have general knowledge of crash cart. Obtain/maintain proficiencies with the operations of defibrillators. Correctly send the images to the PACS system. Technologist may be required to perform bone density examinations (DEXA scans). Prepare patient for exam, setting up technical factors, performing Quality assurance and other related items associated with producing quality examinations. Oversee junior technologists' work, assist with positioning skills and suggest repeats, if necessary, with instruction. Work Schedule: Sunday through Saturday (Rotating shifts as needed), 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 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 of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92851-0, 92852-0, 92853-0, 92854-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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. 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). 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.] 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (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: Two to three years of clinical radiography experience performing a wide range of general diagnostic examinations in hospital or outpatient settings, including proficiency with DR imaging systems and portable radiographic equipment. Experience supporting advanced imaging environments such as fluoroscopy, and/or operating room radiographic procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. Physical Requirements: The position involves extended periods of standing and walking within the medical center, as well as regular lifting, transferring, and positioning of patients. It requires frequent bending, reaching, and twisting to operate radiographic equipment and appropriately position patients. The candidate must be capable of pushing and pulling portable imaging units, stretchers, and wheelchairs, while maintaining adequate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The role also demands staying alert and responsive in fast-paced and emergency care situations. Additionally, there will be occasional exposure to infectious agents and radiation, necessitating the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including lead aprons and other protective gear for extended durations
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