Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - General Radiology

Veterans Health Administration • Golden, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) serves at the full performance level, independently providing general radiologic technology services and services in specialized areas, with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. The position is assigned to the Golden VA CBOC in Golden, Colorado, and may require various tours and on-call status as needed. The work schedule is Monday through Friday; specific work hours are determined upon selection.

The technologist performs routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head, spine, abdomen, and extremities, as well as more complex procedures such as long bone surveys and scoliosis studies. The role includes consulting radiologists about non-standard examinations, selecting technical factors and positioning, using radiographic equipment to obtain quality images, and following standard protocols. The DRT explains procedures to patients, reviews medical history, records pertinent information, and ensures images and anatomical markers are correctly identified and routed for interpretation.

The position also involves using computer systems and PACS applications to register, request, cancel, edit, store, and disseminate examinations and images. The technologist follows radiation-safety practices, screens patients of child-bearing age for possible pregnancy, wears film badges, troubleshoots equipment and system issues, performs equipment inspections and daily warm-ups, and conducts quality-control tests. The DRT follows HIPAA and Release of Information procedures when providing images to patients, providers, or other facilities; maintains department security and supplies; assists with radiology-student precepting and exam sign-offs; and keeps exposure rooms clean and orderly.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified candidates cannot be recruited under applicable VA rules.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Radiography (ARRT(R)).
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent) in a post-high-school program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, from an appropriately accredited institution; applicable VA grandfathering provisions may also qualify current VHA employees.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Ability to check system operation and assess acceptable performance against established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of the patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient physiological changes during procedures and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy with patients, staff, families, visitors, volunteers, and other customers.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy; ability to recognize unusual images and determine positioning to demonstrate areas of interest.
• Must meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing for testing-designated positions, and required onboarding documentation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel employee.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting, carrying, reaching, dexterity, prolonged standing and walking, bending, coordination, distinguishing basic colors, hearing, speed, and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of general radiology experience is preferred.
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that independently include CT, MRI, or mammography duties; on-the-job training with oversight may be provided in applicable modalities to technologists who do not yet hold advanced certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, abdomen, and extremities.
• Independently perform special and complex procedures, including long bone surveys and scoliosis studies.
• Consult radiologists on non-standard examinations and determine technical factors, positioning, and equipment settings to obtain quality images.
• Perform examinations using standard protocols and review medical history to ensure appropriate exams are completed.
• Explain examinations and procedures to patients in understandable terms and record pertinent patient information for radiologist dictation.
• Correctly identify patient images and anatomical markers and ensure images sent to PACS have the correct accession number.
• Register, request, cancel, and edit exams using computer programs including VISTA, VISTA Imaging, and CPRS.
• Follow radiation-safety practices, screen patients ages 12–55 for possible pregnancy, and properly wear film badges during examinations.
• Use radiographic equipment appropriately, troubleshoot problems, report issues to supervisors and appropriate support authorities, and liaise with other services as needed.
• Inspect radiographic equipment, perform daily warm-up procedures, and conduct quality-control tests.
• Perform advanced PACS procedures to handle image storage and dissemination to patients, providers, and other facilities.
• Follow Release of Information and HIPAA procedures when burning exams to CDs or sending images through approved electronic image-sharing platforms, and label envelopes and CD mailers appropriately.
• Maintain department security, including locking doors as applicable and safeguarding patient information.
• Maintain adequate supplies so examinations are not delayed.
• Assist with radiology student preceptor duties and sign off on completed exams.
• Maintain housekeeping in exposure rooms, store machine components properly, and clean with approved products according to manufacturer and facility guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential 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 in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may receive a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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