Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Minneapolis, MN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs a full range of physiological and radiological duties in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The work involves a significant scope, difficulty, and variety and includes preparing and operating radiological, ultrasound, and specialized equipment for angiographic and angioplasty procedures.

The technologist receives and explains procedures to patients, positions them, and adjusts equipment to obtain appropriate images. The role requires selecting technical factors, positioning, angulation, and equipment settings to optimize views of vessels and lesions; performing equipment calibrations and preventative maintenance; and identifying when repairs are needed. The technologist applies radiation protection standards and safety practices, uses PACS and other basic computer systems, and maintains patient, examination, image archive, radiation badge, and safety equipment records.

The technologist monitors hemodynamic recordings and event logs and operates specialized equipment, including IVUS, rotablator, and coronary flow reserve equipment. They observe patients for changes in condition and emergencies, respond appropriately, document relevant information for the care plan, and keep current with continuing education and CPR. The position is in person; telework and virtual work are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-8, and selection may be at GS-5 through GS-8.

Requirements

• Certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R), except that eligible non-certified candidates may be temporarily appointed at the GS-5 entry level under the stated conditions.
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months, or equivalent, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree from an appropriately accredited program.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated limited exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• For GS-6: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or a directly related field; demonstrated knowledge of basic radiographic technique standards, anatomy and positioning, patient safety, radiographic equipment, and basic computer functions.
• For GS-7: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, one full academic year of relevant graduate education, or the specified advanced registry and bachelor's-degree combination; demonstrated knowledge of digital image adequacy and adjustment, contrast materials, radiation protection and exposure techniques, computed radiography and digital imaging, PACS, and basic computer skills.
• For GS-8: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; demonstrated ability to assess system operation, knowledge of calibration parameters and adjustments, knowledge of patient records and clinical results, ability to monitor physiological changes and inform the radiologist, tact and courtesy in dealings with patients and others, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, image recognition, and positioning.
• Meet applicable background/security, onboarding, identification, and influenza vaccination requirements; applicants selected for testing-designated VA employment are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients, explain procedures, position patients, and make necessary equipment adjustments.
• Determine critical isocenter values, technical factors, positioning, and angulation to obtain optimal views of vessels and lesions.
• Adjust equipment settings, including frame rates, exposure time, kV, mAs, shutter openings, cardiac shielding, magnification factors, and source-to-intensifier distance.
• Make simultaneous equipment adjustments to produce the best images possible.
• Perform preventative maintenance and determine when equipment repair is needed.
• Apply radiation protection standards, radiographic exposure techniques, beam limitation, and lead shielding during standard and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Use PACS systems, CD-ROMs, and basic computer functions.
• Calibrate pressure transducers to maintain accurate arterial and venous pressure tracings.
• Prepare radiological, ultrasound, and specialized equipment for angiographic and angioplasty procedures.
• Recognize changes in patients' conditions, including emergencies; respond appropriately and document information for the care plan.
• Maintain patient and examination records, digital disc archives, radiographic film badge exposure records, and radiation safety equipment.
• Use hemodynamic recording and event log monitoring systems and prepare and operate equipment such as IVUS, rotablator, and coronary flow reserve equipment.
• Advise team members and visiting professionals on radiation protection and practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Keep current with continuing education and CPR.
• Review developments in the field and recommend operational improvements to the supervisor.
• Maintain current knowledge of removing indwelling arterial and venous sheaths and achieving post-procedure hemostasis.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with 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 and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, up to $40,000 annually and $100,000 lifetime, subject to program requirements and a three-year service agreement.

What This Job Offers

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