Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Multi-Modality

Veterans Health Administration•Fredericksburg, VA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will possess comprehensive knowledge of equipment, protocols, and procedures for General Diagnostic X-Ray, as well as two additional specialty sections within Radiology: MRI and CT. The DRT may be assigned duties across all sections based on departmental needs, with each area typically comprising no more than 25% of their time. DRT Multi-Modality Technologists are required to maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R) and all specialty areas they practice in. The role involves performing routine examinations, portables, fluoroscopy, and operating room procedures, ensuring all images meet acceptable diagnostic quality as determined by the interpreting Radiologist. Adherence to ALARA principles is critical to minimize radiation dose to the Veteran, including proper collimation, centering, parameter selection, and shielding. The technologist is responsible for accurate image identification, proper marking of radiographs/images (including right/left markers, technologist's number/initials, date/time, and view indication), and ensuring the case number is present on all films/images. A film badge must be worn on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave, with monthly replacement. The role requires adherence to the medical center's protective equipment policy for radiation exposure, including wearing a lead apron when assisting radiologists in fluoroscopy, holding patients, or performing X-rays where maintaining a six-foot distance from the source is not possible. Patient radiation shielding must be provided whenever feasible, and X-ray room doors must remain closed during exposures. Patient interviews regarding medical history are necessary, along with ensuring patient screening for contraindications and safe imaging of medical devices. Awareness of specific work environment dangers, particularly in MRI magnet rooms, is essential, with special precautions to prevent unauthorized entry. The technologist must be compassionate and understanding with patients, especially those experiencing claustrophobia or fear, encouraging them to complete examinations or seeking assistance from their practitioner, without ever forcing a patient to undergo a study against their will. Coordination with radiologists and physicists is required to determine appropriate pulse sequences for individualized patient examinations. For uncooperative patients, the technologist must be able to adjust parameters to obtain optimal images. Daily system preparation, including system startup and checking self-calibrating parameters, is part of the role. Equipment surfaces must be cleaned and prepared according to infection control guidelines. Routine archiving status checks and data deletion according to guidelines are also required. Supervisors and the biomedical engineering section must be informed of equipment problems. Assistance to manufacturer representatives and biomedical engineers in equipment calibration and troubleshooting is expected. Maintenance of operation logs, maintenance, and service reports is necessary. The position also includes performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process.
Must provide acceptable forms of identification.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section.
Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R).
Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include CT and MR.
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 Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
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.
Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.
Knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
Knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.
Knowledge of the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter.
Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body.
Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.
Knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS.
All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in at least two advanced modalities required (MRI/CT).

Responsibilities

Perform routine examinations, portables, fluoroscopy, and operating room procedures.
Ensure all radiology images are of acceptable diagnostic quality.
Follow ALARA principles to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation dose.
Properly identify images with the patient's full name and social security number.
Properly mark radiographs/images with right/left markers, technologist's number or initials, date and time completed, and indicating view.
Ensure the case number is present on all films/images.
Wear film badge when on duty and leave it in the department when off duty or on leave.
Change film badge once a month.
Adhere to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposure.
Wear lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy, holding patients, or doing exams involving X-Rays where the technologist cannot be six feet away from the source.
Provide radiation shielding for patients whenever possible.
Keep doors to the X-Ray rooms closed during X-Ray exposure.
Interview patients about their medical history as required for the study being performed.
Ensure that the patient screening process has been performed so contraindicated materials and medical devices are imaged safely.
Be aware of the dangers associated within each specific work environment.
Take special precautions to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the magnet room while working in MRI.
Take X-Rays of the area in question under guidance of the Radiologist for contraindication precautions.
Coordinate with radiologists and physicists to determine the appropriate pulse sequences for each individualized patient examination.
Prepare all systems for daily operation, bring system up, and check all self-calibrating parameters.
Clean and prepare equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines.
Perform routine archiving status checks and delete data according to established guidelines.
Inform supervisor and engineering (bio-medical section) of problems with equipment.
Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment.
Maintain operation log, maintenance, and service reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.