Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Multi-Modality

Summary The DRT will have full knowledge of equipment and protocols/procedures in General Diagnostic X-Ray - and the two additional specialty sections of Radiology (MRI/CT) - and may be asked to perform duties in all sections dependent on departmental needs. Each area of duties will typically be performed no more than 25% of the time. The DRT Multi-Modality Technologists will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R) - and all specialty areas. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy English Language Proficiency DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Certification All applicants for this role must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT)(R) Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignment that include the below and indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty: Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) 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).] Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision 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) Please see more details in the ""Required Documents"" section Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist ARRT (R)(CT)(MR) - GS-10 1) Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level 2) Assignments For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - and range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures At this grade level - any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity Such assignments are unique - perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology - MRI Safety regulations - and MRI/CT QM type duties within the program The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies Specialized Assignments Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - computed tomography (CT) - magnetic resonance imaging (MR) General Radiologic Technology (R) DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries - foreign bodies - pathological conditions - or lesions within the body They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR) -] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) Computed Tomography (CT) This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination to interpret the examination request accurately to understand the functioning and inter[1]relationship of the various organs to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relate to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification Preferred Experience: Proficiency in at least two advanced modalities required (MRI/CT) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10 Physical Requirements: See Additional Information Duties Duties include but are not limited to the following: Routine examinations - portables - fluoroscopy - and the operating room All radiology images must be of acceptable diagnostic quality - as determined by the interpreting Radiologist Each film/image should stand on its own ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles will be followed during all examinations to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation dose This includes but is not limited to proper collimation - centering - parameter selection - and shielding The technologist properly identifies images with the patient's full name and social security number Properly mark radiographs/images: right or left markers so as not to obscure anatomic detail - technologist's number or initials - date and time completed - and indicating supine/erect/decubitus view Case number must be present on all films/images Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave Change film badge once a month Adhere to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposure Wear lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy - holding patients - or doing exams involving X-Rays where the technologist cannot be six feet away from the source Provide radiation shielding for patients whenever possible Doors to the X-Ray rooms must be kept closed during X-Ray exposure Technologists will interview patients about their medical history as required for the study being performed Ensure that the patient screening process has been performed so contraindicated materials and medical devices are imaged safely The employee must at all times be aware of the dangers associated within each specific work environment Special precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the magnet room while working in MRI For contraindication precautions - the employee can take X-Rays of the area in question under guidance of the Radiologist The employee is responsible for having the radiologist review the X-Rays to see if the patient can have the procedure - contacting the operating room about implants the patient has had - and calling the manufacturer about the safety of implants Instruct patients to remove all clothing/objects from pockets or body that would affect the image quality - including but not limited to: watches - chains - earrings - belts - hearing aids - dentures - prosthetic devices - and wallets Uses patient safety devices as necessary to ensure patient safety during the preparation and examination Monitors special equipment such as monitors - pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen equipment - and respirators Due to the high incident of claustrophobia - patient fear and incomplete examinations - the employee must be compassionate and understanding with patients during the examinations The employee should spend time encouraging the patient to complete the examination or contact the patients practitioner for assistance At no time will the technologist force a patient to complete a study against the patients will Coordinate with radiologists and physicists to determine the appropriate pulse sequences for each individualized patient examination For uncontrollable patients - the employee must understand different ways to change the parameters to obtain optimum images Prepares all systems for daily operation - brings system up - and checks all self-calibrating parameters Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines Inform supervisor and engineering (bio-medical section) of problems with equipment Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment Maintain operation log - maintenance - and service reports Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:30 to 5:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs