Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

4d

About The Position

The Mammography Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs specialized breast radiographic examinations, including screening and diagnostic mammography, using precise positioning techniques to produce quality results. The technologist works independently and coordinates mammography procedures without direct supervision. The role also supports patients throughout the diagnosis and management of breast abnormalities, from biopsy recommendations through treatment and recovery. The technologist serves as a liaison among patients, radiologists, providers, and internal and outside facilities; helps coordinate care and scheduling; and assists with breast imaging and interventional procedures. The position evaluates practices against applicable professional and regulatory standards and contributes to the development and evaluation of breast imaging programs and services.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT-R).
• Completion of a full-time diagnostic radiologic technology training program of at least 24 months, or equivalent, in a post-high-school program accredited by JRCERT or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency; evidenced by a certificate or associate degree.
• Advanced ARRT Mammography (M) certification for independent mammography duties.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 exposure, and recommend ways to prevent increased exposure.
• Knowledge of basic physics, including energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and x-ray properties.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for complex imaging studies, including CT, MRI, interventional radiology, ultrasound, and mammography.
• Ability to balance patient and staff needs while performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of gathering relevant information from medical records, significant others, and healthcare providers, and assessing factors that may contraindicate procedures.
• Knowledge of basic first aid, basic life support, physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods, universal precautions, and pre-, procedural, and post-procedural patient care.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including moderate lifting and carrying, standing, walking, bending, reaching above the shoulders, and moving equipment or patients.

Nice To Haves

• Breast Imaging Navigation Certification from the National Consortium of Breast Centers.
• Experience with ACR accreditations, FDA/MQSA inspections, and breast procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform screening and diagnostic mammography examinations and other specialized breast imaging procedures.
• Provide patient education, support, and continuity of care during diagnosis and management of breast abnormalities, including pre- and post-procedure education.
• Coordinate care and scheduling under the direction of breast imaging radiologists and patients’ providers, including supporting patients from biopsy recommendation and scheduling through treatment and recovery.
• Serve as a physician or technologist liaison in interactions with internal teams and outside facilities.
• Assist breast imaging radiologists with interventional and advanced or complex breast procedures.
• Communicate procedure results to patients, answer questions, and facilitate next steps in care after consultation with the radiologist.
• Serve as a clinical liaison and patient advocate for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, providing education and emotional support.
• Use an online breast cancer risk assessment model to help determine lifetime risk and triage the need for additional screening modalities.
• Evaluate personal and team practices against standards and regulations, including Joint Commission, MQSA, OSHA, and professional organization requirements, and take action to improve compliance.
• Maintain biopsy pathology results using mammography tracking software.
• Collaborate with breast imaging leadership to plan, develop, implement, market, and evaluate new or expanded programs and services.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive 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, for qualifying birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• 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