Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Interventional Radiography)

Veterans Health Administration • San Juan, PR

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Interventional Radiology Technologist is a fully functional Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist who performs assigned duties independently. The technologist works across difficult and complex imaging modalities, performing therapeutic procedures as well as general diagnostic procedures. This is a GS-10 position at the full performance level; the selected applicant's actual grade may be GS-10.

The technologist operates interventional angiography and fluoroscopy equipment, robotic C-arm digital subtraction angiography systems, multidetector CT scanners, and ultrasound equipment. Duties may include neuroangiography, DynaCT reconstructions, angiographic subtraction modifications, quantitative vascular analysis, digital contrast injections, CT fluoroscopy, and CT 3D-spin reconstructions. MRI may be used for interventional procedures when suitable equipment is available. The role also involves specialized equipment and therapies for vascular and nonvascular interventions, including thermal and chemical treatments, and the Possis Angio Jet System for vascular declotting, thrombolysis, and rheolytic thrombectomy.

The technologist applies knowledge of radiation protection, radiologic physics, energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties. They follow radiation-safety practices that meet or exceed national standards, apply the ALARA principle for every patient and examination, monitor for changes that could increase exposure, and recommend and use methods and devices to prevent unnecessary exposure. The work includes handling cytotoxic substances and other medications and agents used in treatment.

The position has a rotating shift. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. Employment is subject to VA pre-employment requirements, including citizenship and English proficiency requirements, background and security investigation, applicable drug testing, and seasonal influenza vaccination. A one- or two-year trial period is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by ARRT (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification for assignments that include independently performed CT, MRI, or mammography duties, as applicable.
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent) in a post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, from a JRCERT-accredited program or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; applicable grandfathering provisions may also qualify current VHA employees.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Knowledge of radiation-protection standards, devices, techniques, accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to use advanced imaging software for complex imaging programs and recognize and help prevent increased radiation exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of complex CT, MRI, interventional radiology, ultrasound, or mammography studies.
• Compliance with applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, influenza vaccination, and trial-period requirements.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in angiography.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform advanced interventional radiology duties across complex imaging modalities and general diagnostic procedures.
• Operate robotic C-arm digital subtraction angiographic systems, interventional angiography units, and fluoroscopy equipment.
• Perform neuroangiography, angio DynaCT reconstructions, angiographic subtraction modifications, quantitative vascular analysis measurements, and digital computerized contrast injections.
• Operate multidetector CT scanners, including CT fluoroscopy and CT 3D-spin reconstructions.
• Use ultrasound equipment for vascular and interventional radiology; use MRI for interventional procedures when suitable equipment becomes available.
• Use the Possis Angio Jet System for vascular declotting, thrombolysis, and rheolytic thrombectomy.
• Manage specialized equipment and perform or support vascular and nonvascular interventions and thermal and chemical therapeutic procedures.
• Handle cytotoxic substances and other treatment drugs and agents, including local anesthetics, anticoagulants, blood-clot-promoting drugs, skin glue, and intravascular embolization agents.
• Apply radiation-safety standards and the ALARA principle for each patient and examination.
• Recognize equipment or procedural changes that could increase radiation exposure, recommend preventive methods, and use radiation-protection devices.
• Position patients for complex imaging studies and assist with patient positioning as needed.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position and other applicable conditions.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior federal or military service for annual leave accrual credit; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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