Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic

Veterans Health Administration • Indianapolis, IN

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-647 (Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic), performs routine to complex radiographic examination procedures using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, chest units, portable units, c-arm's and general diagnostic units. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies for proper diagnosis and treatment. This role involves assisting radiologists, preparing contrast materials, operating x-ray equipment, practicing radiation safety, maintaining records, and explaining procedures to patients. The technologist may also perform exams at the bedside and in operating rooms, troubleshoot equipment, and train radiology students. Additionally, responsibilities include managing patient check-in and registration, creating CDs/DVDs, and supporting diagnostic imaging as a back-up portable x-ray technologist. DRT specific duties will be performed at least 25% of the time. The position may require assisting in any imaging area by transporting patients and participating in holiday/weekend rotations.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States.
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• 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).
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
• 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.
• GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
• GS-7 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; 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.
• GS-7 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
• GS-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• GS-8 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable.
• 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 Grandfather Clause 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).
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician.

Responsibilities

• Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for exams requiring injectable solutions (e.g., IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistula grams, arthrography) and oral/rectal exams of the GI tract.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests and inputs pertinent radiology information into the computer.
• Performs radiographic exams of the head, spine, chest, abdomen (including exams of GI-tract, gallbladder, urinary system, and fistula) and extremities using diagnostic x-ray equipment.
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self using lead aprons, gloves, shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation.
• Wears film badges to assure compliance with radiation regulations.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) and the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Explains exams to patients in terms they will comprehend as well as potential hazards that may occur.
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms using portable x-ray units and fluoroscopic units.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and makes minor repairs and/or adjustments.
• Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions to the biomedical department.
• Maintains cleanliness and stocking of adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals in assigned areas.
• Supervises and trains rotating radiology students, filling out student evaluations.
• Conducts check-in and registration processes and provides back-up to the receptionist.
• Creates and imports CD's/DVD's and manages Radiology ROI activities according to policy guidelines.
• Provides coverage as back-up portable x-ray technologist.
• May be required to assist in any imaging area by transporting patients.
• Participates in Holiday rotation/weekend rotations.

Benefits

• 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)
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
• Federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance
• Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave

What This Job Offers

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