Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Minneapolis, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is a member of the cardiac catheterization team and independently performs complex physiological and radiological procedures. The technologist performs specialized invasive radiological, cardiovascular, intracoronary ultrasound, and electrophysiology procedures in collaboration with a cardiologist. The role also uses non-radiographic equipment, including hemodynamic monitoring and recording systems and computer-aided programs for ventriculography and coronary anatomy.

The technologist prepares patients and equipment for angiographic, angioplasty, electrophysiology, pacemaker, Swan-Ganz, and intra-aortic balloon pump procedures; explains procedures to patients; determines positioning, isocenter values, technical factors, and angulation; and applies radiation-protection standards. The role includes troubleshooting PACS and other computer applications, maintaining patient and equipment records, and evaluating trainees and less experienced technologists. The technologist serves as the team's authority on removal of arterial and venous sheaths and post-procedure hemostasis, including management of complications.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is unavailable, and this is not a virtual position. The full-performance grade is GS-10. The vacancy is permanent; recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree and accredited by JRCERT or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the applicable clinical competencies.
• Knowledge of radiation-protection standards, devices, and techniques, including accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to use advanced imaging software for complex imaging programs, recognize changes that could increase radiation exposure, and recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties, sufficient to understand equipment operation.
• Knowledge and skill in patient positioning for a wide variety of highly complex imaging studies.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet applicable credentialing standards for radiographic personnel.
• Meet applicable physical requirements; a pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required.
• Meet VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, influenza vaccination, and a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized invasive radiological, cardiovascular, intracoronary ultrasound, and electrophysiology procedures in collaboration with the cardiologist.
• Operate non-radiographic equipment, including hemodynamic monitoring and recording systems and computer-aided programs for ventriculography and coronary anatomy.
• Prepare patients for angiographic, angioplasty, Swan-Ganz, intra-aortic balloon pump, electrophysiology, and permanent or temporary pacemaker procedures; prepare arterial and venous monitoring setups using aseptic and sterile technique.
• Receive patients, explain complex or high-risk procedures, position patients, and adjust equipment.
• Determine isocenter values, technical factors, positioning, and angulation to obtain optimal views of vessels or lesions, including in technically demanding cases.
• Apply radiation-protection standards.
• Use advanced PACS systems and computer applications; troubleshoot system issues and assist staff with technical problems.
• Independently prepare and set up radiological, ultrasound, and specialized equipment for electrophysiology, angiographic, and angioplasty procedures.
• Maintain and audit patient, examination, digital disc archive, and radiographic film badge exposure records.
• Evaluate trainees' and less experienced technologists' competency and provide progress feedback to the DRT supervisor.
• Serve as the team's authority on removal of indwelling arterial and venous sheaths and post-procedure hemostasis, including management of complications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, associated with birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000; subsidy may cover up to 25% of eligible costs, subject to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• May be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, with repayment limited to $40,000 annually and $100,000 lifetime, subject to a three-year service agreement and performance requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree